Mosquito Control

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides a daily count update for the number of Zika cases in Texas. At this time, there are no human cases of Zika in McLennan County. The Waco-McLennan County Health District will continue to update the community on any human cases of mosquito-borne diseases in McLennan County.

For recent lists of mosquito-borne disease case counts in McLennan County, visit the Epidemiology Page under the Reports tab.

The Center for Disease Control has issued a travel warning for regions and countries where Zika transmission is ongoing.

The Health District is working with McLennan County and the cities within the County to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by monitoring municipal properties for stagnant water and other potential mosquito habitats. Larvicide, debris removal and landscaping are all methods that can be used by cities to eliminate breeding sites.

City of Waco Mosquito Control Plan(PDF, 145KB)

The best way to protect you and yourself from mosquitoes is to follow the 4 Ds of protection.

• Defend Use mosquito repellent.
• Drain Drain any standing or stagnant water.
• Day and Night Different Mosquito breeds bite at different times of the day. Always have insect repellent available.
• Dress Wear long sleeves/pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.

Always use mosquito repellant when you are outside.

Mosquito Bites and Possible Reactions

Common mosquito bite signs on all skin colors:

• A puffy, reddish, itchy, and irritated skin bump appearing a few minutes after the bite
• A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps appearing 1 - 2 days after the bite(s)
• Small blisters instead of hard bumps
• Dark spots that look like bruises
• Do NOT scratch bites

People experiencing more severe reactions may have the following signs (also depends on the disease(s) the mosquito may be carrying):

• An allergic reaction (hives, swollen throat, faintness and wheezing)
• A large area of swelling and redness
• Low-grade fever
• Swollen lymph nodes

More severe reactions can occur in:

• Children
• Adults bitten by a mosquito species they haven’t been exposed to previously
• People with immune system disorders

Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.

Repellents that are approved and recommended are:

• DEET (insect repellent)
• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
• IR3535 (insect repellent)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-Undecanone: These are EPA-registered insect repellents that have been proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Here are some rules to follow when using repellents:

• Read the directions on the label carefully before applying.
• Apply repellent sparingly, only to exposed skin (not on or under clothing). If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips: do not inhale or ingest repellents or get them into the eyes.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that DEET-based repellents can be used on children as young as two months of age. Generally, the AAP recommends concentrations of 30% or less.
• Do NOT use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
• Avoid applying repellents to portions of children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth.
• Pregnant and nursing women should minimize use of repellents.
• Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin.
• Use repellent sparingly and reapply as needed. Saturation does not increase efficacy.
• Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors.
• If a suspected reaction to insect repellents occurs, wash treated skin, and call a physician. Take the repellent container to the physician.

The Health District urges people to monitor their property for any standing water because mosquitoes need only a small amount of water to develop their eggs into adult mosquitoes.

A female mosquito lays up to 200 eggs at one time. It only takes 7 -14 days for an egg to hatch and become another flying mosquito. Elimination of potential mosquito breeding habitats is a critical key for mosquitos in McLennan County.

• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• The mosquito travels about 150 feet from where it emerges. Talk with your neighbors about removing breeding sites on their property, too. 

• How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
• Information on West Nile Virus
• Mosquitoes in the United States