The calendar says mid-October, but if you spend any time outside, especially at dawn or dusk you know mosquitos are still terrorizing Houston.
Is this normal?
Sonja Swiger an entomologist and professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension said yes. “Well, this is actually very normal. It does take really cold temperatures to really kind of make them go into a full diapause.”
Ok. Ok. But something feels different this year, right?
“We have had a lot more mosquitoes this year compared to the last two years because we were dry,” explained Swiger.
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For the most part, and as long as temperatures stay mild, 65 and warmer with afternoon showers, Swiger said you can bet mosquitos will stick around.
She says we need a lot of rain to wash them away, or a cold snap.
“I think the last recorded is 3550 known species of mosquitoes in the world, but there’s only about 180 in the United States and 88 live in Texas.” Explained Swiger.
Not all these species bite humans, but research shows mosquitos that do have a preference based on the studies conducted.
“There is some evidence to show that certain scents they are sensitive to, whether they like them or dislike. Individuals were drinking alcohol and they found that the beer, those who drank the beer were more attractive than those that did not. Mosquitoes rely on carbon dioxide. Which humans and animals omit,” explained Swiger.
People who are intoxicated tend to emit more carbon dioxide and body temperature and odor can play a role in appeal according to Swiger.
“An old study was done out of New Mexico State that showed that they didn’t like a certain kind of Victoria’s Secret perfume of certain kind. Right? Which most people find very pleasing. The mosquitoes show that to not be very pleasing,” explained Swiger.
Attention expecting moms!
“There is a situation where you may be a little more attractive during your pregnancy than maybe you weren’t prior to being pregnant,” Swiger said.
What about blood type, does this influence attractiveness?
“Supposedly the type O does have a little bit more attraction to than the others,” clarified Swiger.
Several illnesses are linked to mosquitos.
“West Nile is our most impacting and our most concerning for the U.S. and definitely in Texas. Then EEE is right behind it.” Defended Swiger.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is not as common, it is more severe according to Swiger.
“EEE is one that as soon as we see a one positive, we have to jump on to it because its fatality rate is 33 to 50%.” Explained Swiger.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 10 reported cases of EEE in humans throughout the U.S. this year. None have been in Texas. However, equine is impacted annually.
“We’ve had two horses in Texas this year.” Stated Swiger.
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Other mosquito-borne diseases impacting Texans range from Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, Saint Louis Encephalitis and Zika.
Mosquitos also infect cats and wild and domesticated dogs with heart worm. The only way to stop the disease is through prevention.
If you’re going to be outside, Swiger recommends wearing a repellent approved by the EPA, wear clothes covering your body and remove standing-water from your property.
Swiger said the peak of West Nile season runs through November.
Additional information Swiger shared: Mosquitos can live anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. They usually stay close to where they hatch, but some mosquitos like salt marsh mosquitos can travel up to 75 miles. Crane flies, also known as mosquito hawks in Texas, do not bite, nor do they eat mosquitos. Only female mosquitos bite. Garlic is a deterrent for mosquitos and a 2015 study in Journal of Insect Science claims mosquitos do not like Victoria’s Secret Bombshell fragrance.
