As temps rise, so do risks from mosquitoes, ticks
Mosquitoes and ticks are moving in for the summer as temperatures heat up, but Central Texas residents can take precautions.
Why are they here?
Mosquitoes and ticks like warm weather. Chris Van Deusen, spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, said mosquitoes are more likely to breed now that temperatures are at least 90 degrees.
Do they carry any diseases?
Yes. Some mosquitoes carry the Zika virus or the West Nile virus, Van Deusen said. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other fever-inducing diseases, according to state health officials.
How worried should we be about mosquitoes and ticks?
“I don’t think it’s something people have to panic about, but there are a few simple actions people can take, and the more people do it, the more it’s going to help everybody in the community,” Van Deusen said. Just wearing insect repellent when you’re outside can help reduce the spread of viruses, he said.
How can we prevent bites?
According to state health officials:
Use an insect repellent that contains DEET.
Drain any standing water you may have in cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and those saucers that sit beneath a potted plant.
Wear long sleeves and pants when the sun is rising and setting; that’s when mosquitoes are