Grab the bug spray. Mosquito population spikes almost 170 percent in Fort Worth

Fort Worth residents will be reaching for the bug spray more often this month.

All that rain in September has led to a spike — by nearly 170 percent — in the mosquito population, including the variety that carries the West Nile virus.

Fort Worth traps caught an average of 102 mosquitoes in the last week of September, an increase of more than 168 percent from the 38 caught in late July, the mosquito season midpoint. Instances of the Culex variety, known to carry West Nile, also increased more than 164 percent.

“That’s a significant increase,” said Elmer Depuala, assistant director of Fort Worth’s code compliance department.

The department has 62 traps around the city, mostly at fire stations.

Depaula points to the amount of stagnant water as the culprit for the late-season spike in the bug’s population. Still water, even inside, should be drained.

“If a mosquito finds water, they will lay eggs,” he said.

The Culex variety can hatch in one to two weeks.

Though the mosquito season has been quiet this year, Depaula said, the West Nile Virus is present in Tarrant County.

Tarrant County Public Health has found 225 mosquitoes with the virus out of 4,345 tested. A recent discovery of West Nile in mosquitoes in Northwest Tarrant County has prompted the department to plan a spray Saturday night.

Tarrant County Public Health and the city test for West Nile in a partnership with the University of North Texas Healch Science Center.

In Fort Worth, the city has sprayed three weeks in a row in targeted areas because of the high population of the pest. Spraying alone won’t be enough, Depaula said. He encouraged residents to avoid being outside for long periods at dusk and dawn or to wear long sleeves, pants and use repellent with DEET.

“You can spray until the cows come home, but there’s still going to be a chance mosquitoes are around,” he said.

This story was originally published October 5, 2018 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Grab the bug spray. Mosquito population spikes almost 170 percent in Fort Worth."