The Mosquito and Vector Control Division of Harris County Public Health began treatment to the area where the disease mosquitos were found on Tuesday to reduce the risk of human infection.
“Mosquitos are around throughout the year; however, they are more prevalent during the warmer months, and typically most active from June through October,” officials wrote in a press release. “Out of the 56 species of mosquitoes found in our area, only a handful transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.”
See a map from the Harris County Health Department that shows which neighborhood is being treated.
How to protect yourself
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always apply as directed on the label
- Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old
- If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
How to minimize the threat around your home
- Remove/empty any containers that can hold water such as tires, flowerpots and toys
- Change water in birdbaths and pet water bowls every 3 to 5 days
- Keep rain gutters free of debris
- Make sure screens are in good condition
- Don’t “feed” the storm drains. Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs
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About the Author:
Tulsi Kamath
Tulsi started as an enterprise reporter at KPRC2 in 2019. She specializes in in-depth storytelling, going beyond the breaking headlines to provide context and understanding. She previously worked at the Houston Chronicle and was a member of the Pulitzer Prize finalist team for their coverage of Hurricane Harvey.
