Austin Public Health Urges Mosquito Prevention as Warmer Weather Extends Season

Austin Public Health (APH) is initiating its surveillance and testing efforts ahead of mosquito season, urging residents to implement mosquito prevention strategies to stay safe from diseases like West Nile and Zika in 2025.

Mosquitoes typically breed in Austin and surrounding areas from spring through fall, coinciding with warmer and wetter weather. Beyond their itchy bites, these insects pose a significant public health threat by transmitting diseases such as Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.

“We’ve seen the weather changing over the years here in Austin, and as a result, we’ve seen mosquito seasons running longer than before,” stated Marcel Elizondo, Environmental Health Services Division Chief for APH. “We’re also continuing to see West Nile in the pool samples we test – it’s crucial that we take this seriously and protect ourselves whenever we’re spending time outdoors.”

In 2024, 101 mosquito pools in Austin-Travis County tested positive for West Nile virus. Preliminary results, awaiting finalization by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), indicate 33 reported West Nile virus cases in the area, including two fatalities.

Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, emphasized the importance of protective measures: “While everyone is excited to get back to their favorite spring and summer activities, let’s make sure that we’re taking quick steps to protect ourselves and fully enjoy this time of year. Wearing long sleeves and pants, putting on repellent and clearing out standing water will protect yourself and others from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.”

Fight the Bite Day and Night with the Four Ds:

• Dusk and dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.  
• Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available. 
• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Find the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of repellents here.  
• Drain: Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitos.   

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your fun this summer. You can learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes at austintexas.gov/mosquito.