Are Mosquitoes Bad in Texas?
Texans can expect a variety of mosquitoes throughout the year. The climate and humidity make Texas a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. They are known to carry disease and are a serious nuisance.
Mosquitoes breed in containers and standing water. They are known to transmit diseases, especially dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya. These are the main vectors for human disease in Texas.
Some Texas cities rank among the worst in the country for mosquitoes. Houston, for example, ranked fourth in the list of cities with the most mosquito-related problems in 2018.
Although Texas is a big state, it is not a tropical or subtropical climate. It has warm and humid summers and mild winters. The temperature can stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the warmer months. But the rainy seasons create wetter conditions that encourage mosquitoes to breed.
Houston’s mosquito season lasts from March through October. The city’s temperatures tend to stay above 50 degrees year-round.
However, the weather can be unpredictable. For instance, a cold snap in October can mean that the season will end early.
In addition to mosquitoes, Texans are also at risk for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika. These diseases can lead to death.
The Asian tiger mosquito is the most common type of mosquito in Texas. This mosquito is about a quarter of an inch long and has a black body with white stripes. It is a daytime biter that can cause serious health problems.