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Recent showers in the area have led to an increase in the mosquito population, and Hidalgo County is taking action to combat the pest everyone loves to hate.
According to Eddie Olivarez, chief administrative officer for Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, the county, its precincts and cities have activated a mosquito task force which has already begun spraying for mosquitoes in the county.
Olivarez explained that in order to spray, weather conditions have to include wind speeds of less than 10 miles per hour and humidity levels at less than 80%. He added that time of day also plays a role in when the spraying can actually occur.
He explained that the team usually sprays around 3:30 a.m. or in the late evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Although the county is taking action to decrease the mosquito population, Olivarez explained that mosquito spraying is the least effective preventative method.
In fact, he explained that getting rid of the larvae in the water would have a significant impact on the mosquito population.
Olivarez is asking residents to help by ensuring their yards are trimmed, patios are clean, and that they have no standing water where mosquitoes can potentially lay their larvae.
“Eighty percent of … mosquito prevention can be done by local residents,” Olivarez said Tuesday.
The increase in mosquitoes in the area has not, however, led to the detection of any mosquito-borne illnesses.
“In Hidalgo County, we have 27 different types of mosquitoes. Only three have the potential to carry illness,” Olivarez said, adding that a majority of mosquitoes in the area are considered nuisance mosquitoes. “As of yet we have no reported cases of mosquito-borne illness in Hidalgo County.”
Olivarez recommends residents wear long-sleeve shirts and use repellents to help protect them from mosquitoes. He added that babies, children, or those who may be allergic to store-bought repellent can use an alternative handmade repellent that consists of baby oil mixed with drops of eucalyptus oil.
He also reminds residents to not forget about their pets who are susceptible to mosquitoes.
