There are certain signs that spring is near in the state of Texas; the flowers begin blooming, birds are chirping, and then the worst sign of them all: the world's deadliest animal returns.

A woman scratching her itchy mosquito bite. Tropical climate danger.
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Mosquitoes are beginning to become active in Texas, and it can be such a nuisance. Not just because these creatures are super annoying but because of the harm that they can cause!

According to the CDC, mosquitos are the world's deadliest creatures. They spread diseases like malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis; the mosquito kills more people than any other creature in the world!

According to a report, Texas is second in the country for the worst case of mosquitoes (Florida is number one by the way). It's something that we all have to be vigilant about and something that we all have to deal with -- especially when the heavy rains hit the Lone Star state during the spring and summer months when experts say mosquito activity is heightened.

Aedes aegypti Mosquito
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Experts say that mosquito season can last a long nine months, and in Texas activity is most active from May to late November.

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What can you do to keep mosquitoes away?

The CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of these active ingredients:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone

The CDC also recommends you take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors such as using screens on windows and doors and preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.

To find out more, click here.

Beware Of The Deadliest Animals In Texas

Here are the top 10 deadliest animals in Texas, including one that might take you by surprise.

Gallery Credit: Piggie

Most Dangerous Animals Found in Texas Lakes & Rivers

Gallery Credit: Emily Claire

Insects That Are Beneficial Found in Texas

You don't want to kill all insects found in Texas some are beneficial, here is the insects that can be helpful.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

EDIT: This was originally published February 10, 2024

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