Metro Health Recommends Safety Measures to Prevent Mosquitoes

Published on June 09, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (June 9, 2023) – Due to recent rain in San Antonio, the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) is seeing an uptick of mosquitoes in the community. 

Metro Health conducts mosquito surveillance for West Nile disease on public property to protect San Antonio and its visitors from diseases that these vectors can spread. This work begins in the spring until late fall.  

Adult mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnate or slow-moving water, moist soil, leaf litter, and in other areas likely to collect water. With the increase in mosquitoes, Metro Health recommends the following health safety measures:

• Remove standing water at home in areas such as uncovered boats, open trash bins, fountains, clogged rain gutters, water bowls for pets, and more. 
• Wear protective clothing, such as light colored, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to protect exposed skin during dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid the use of perfumes and colognes when working outdoors.
• Use insect repellent with active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535. 
• Mosquito-proof homes by keeping screens on windows and doors closed.
• Use air conditioning when available. 
• If working outdoors, use soap and water afterwards to wash skin and clothing that have been treated with insect repellent.
• Improve sanitation – when water is contaminated with organic matter (animal waste, grasses, and leaves), mosquito larvae have a high likelihood of surviving. 

Individuals should not spray insect repellent under clothing, close to their eyes, mouth, wounds, or cuts. Repellent should also not be used on young infants. Aerosol or pump products should not be sprayed in enclosed areas or on an individual’s face. 

For more information, the community can visit the Metro Health website.