With the current outbreak of West Nile virus in Texas, controlling the spread of mosquitoes is more important than ever. Following is some information and suggestions from the Dept. of State Health. More information can be obtained from your AgriLife Extension office.

Some quick facts about mosquito life cycle, breeding, and water sources:

• Once mosquitoes find a suitably polluted puddle of water, they lay eggs. Eggs take about a day to hatch and the larvae 5-8 days at 30 degrees C (86 deg F). Once they pupate it’s another 36 hours before the adult emerges. So its 10-14 days typically for development. Standing water must remain for about that length of time before it is likely to breed mosquitoes.

• Clean water is not so much an issue, but if rain water is mixed with leaves and/or soil and sits in the sun for a week or so, it gets pretty attractive for mosquitoes. In addition, water where fish are present, such as a pond or permanent stream is not usually a big source of mosquitoes.

Remember the 4 D’s

• DUSK/DAWN- Stay indoors at Dusk/Dawn. This is the time of day that mosquitoes are most active.

• DEET-Use insect repellents that contain Deet when going outside, especially at times closer to dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• DRAIN – Remove all areas of standing water. Examples are pet dishes, birdbaths, and water dishes under potted plants. Repair faulty French drains. Remove debris from rain gutters. Mosquitoes will breed in this debris since it is normally damp under the debris. Remove all piles of dead leaf material from under trees and shrubs. This also is a breeding site.

• DRESS- Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing light colored long sleeved shirts and long pants when going outside.