Heavy spring rains bring not only beautiful wildflowers to East Texas, but also a surge in mosquito activity. The warm, humid conditions created by recent storms provide the perfect breeding ground for these pesky insects.
“They’re everywhere!” said Holly Lake resident Arron Strong. “You can’t even step outside without getting swarmed.”
Public health officials warn that mosquitoes can carry a number of diseases, including Zika, West Nile virus, and even though not mentioned in the article, dengue fever. Residents are urged to take precautions to minimize mosquito bites.
“Getting rid of standing water is key,” Strong said. “Even a tiny amount can be enough for mosquitoes to breed.”
Experts warn that even seemingly insignificant sources of water can become mosquito havens. This includes old tires, paint cans, birdbaths, pet bowls, and even children’s toys left outdoors.
“Empty anything that can hold water,” advised Sue Eddy, a Big Sandy resident.
Mosquitoes pose a serious global health threat. The World Health Organization estimates that mosquito-borne diseases like malaria kill over a million people annually and infect hundreds of millions more. By taking steps to control mosquito populations, East Texans can help protect themselves and their communities.
