Lubbock braces for heavy mosquito season amid wetter forecast

Forecasts of warmer, wetter weather this year suggest mosquitoes may be more active in Lubbock. This is because mosquitoes like to breed in warm, damp places, which raises concerns about diseases like West Nile virus.

As spring and summer approach, Lubbock's warmer weather is likely to make it easier for mosquitoes to breed. Based on predictions from the Old Farmer's Almanac, the area will likely have a warmer, wetter spring, followed by a wetter-than-usual summer. This is perfect for mosquitoes to multiply.

Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, their numbers could grow significantly if there is no other hard freeze before April, which is usually the last freeze of the season. Mosquitoes are not very good at flying, so Lubbock's open climate may help. However, experts warn that good weather still poses a high risk for population growth.

In addition to being a bother, mosquitoes can spread diseases to people and animals. Texas is still very worried about the West Nile virus. The virus can cause West Nile fever or, in severe cases, neuroinvasive disease, even though most people who get it have no symptoms. Symptoms can be as mild as fever, headaches, and body aches, or they can be more serious, like paralysis or coma.

People are also interested in other mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue and chikungunya. The mosquitoes that can spread chikungunya and dengue are known to live in Texas, even though cases of these diseases are still very rare.

Health officials emphasize prevention as the most effective defense. Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes, including in buckets, bird baths, puddles, and overgrown areas where water can collect. If you water your lawn at night and the water stays on the surface, it can also be a breeding ground for bugs.

Residents can tell Lubbock Vector Control about their concerns if mosquitoes get really bad in certain areas, so they can look into it further and take action.

Protecting yourself is also very important. When you are outside, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using bug spray and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Using fans on decks and other simple steps can help keep mosquitoes away, as they find it hard to fly into strong air currents.

While increased rainfall is beneficial for local landscapes, it also creates unintended consequences. During the warmer months, officials want people to keep doing what they can to keep mosquito numbers down and lower the risk of getting sick.