Mosquito season has arrived; here’s how you can protect yourself

HOUSTON (KIAH) — On Monday, Harris County Public Health said based on a mosquito sample found inside Loop 610 in Houston, this is the first case this year to have tested positive for West Nile virus.

As it is the breeding season, risks such as the spread of diseases persist every year. Mosquitoes are present throughout the year, but when we reach warmer temperatures and the rainy season, we start to see and experience even more annoying mosquitoes. June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, which is why Harris County Public Health says June through October is when they are most active.

One of the preventative measures Harris County Public Health has implemented is improving its procedures for nighttime spray truck operations. Programs like the City of Bellaire Mosquito Control start today and will begin spraying an environmentally safe fogging treatment used to control and reduce the mosquito population.

Here is what you can do to better protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Empty, remove or cover containers containing water
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent outdoors
• Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks

HCPH began spraying the fogging treatment on Monday in the areas where the positive sample was found and surrounding areas to help prevent future risks.