Mosquitoes are post-rains nuisance

Residents urged to remove stagnant water sources

SAN ANTONIO – The battle of the bugs is on after recent rains created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

"Mosquitoes have been bad, especially after the big rainfall," said Jim Smith, with Bob Jenkins Pest and Lawn.

Pest control companies are fielding calls from residents weary of the pesky insects that can spread disease like the West Nile virus.

"I always have them in my yard, front and back," said resident Susan Hale.

"They're pretty bad," said another resident, Tyler Carter. "We live down south. They get real bad around eight or nine when it gets dark."

To keep mosquitoes at bay, experts advise home owners look around the property.

"Make sure they don't have any stagnant water sources like potted plants in saucers, bird baths, buckets, used tires. Anything that can hold water for more than three to five days can breed mosquitoes."

Outdoor water bowls for pets should be changed daily.

Mosquito repellents can also help. 

Consumer Reports has tested repellents with DEET and plant-based ones without DEET.

"We think that DEET is really an insect repellent that you should use as a last resort. And you should certainly not use it in any concentration of more than 30 percent," said Consumer Reports' Sue Byrne.

Consumer Reports' tests show 30 percent DEET works very well.

DEET exposure can lead to possible side effects like skin blisters, slurred speech, seizures or coma.

There are other repellents that contain no DEET, like products with picaridin or lemon eucalyuptus.

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About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.