by JORDAN GASS-POORÉ
Special to the Hays Free Press
Warmer and drier-than-average weather conditions throughout the state are leading to increased populations of many insects, such as bees, mosquitoes and scorpions.
Richard Parrish, extension agent at Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hays County, said increased development and last summer’s statewide drought created ideal breeding conditions for insects.
As cold-blooded creatures, insects’ body temperatures are regulated by the temperature of their environment.
In states affected by drought, pest management officials have reported that many insects are seeking refuge indoors in search of warm, moist areas they can no longer find outdoors.
Parrish said scorpions are most commonly found in rural and recently developed areas. He recommended residents wear gloves when inspecting or cleaning attics to prevent injury.
Mountain City resident Katy Moffitt wrote into the Hays Free Press recently about her encounter with a scorpion.
“I see them all the time,” she said. “I found a scorpion right by my purse in my bedroom earlier this week and there was a huge walking stick above our garage door for a day … didn’t mess with him and he was gone the next day. Never seen a snake yet, though. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”
According to the National Pest Management Association, stinging insects, such as scorpions and bees, send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year.
An allergic reaction to a bee’s venom kills 53 people in the U.S. annually, making bees the largest killer of humans by an animal directly.
Residents should be cautious of bees during daylight and when using motorized mowers, because the insect is sensitive to the vibrations, Parrish said.
He warns to steer clear of areas with bee activity and to contact Central Texas Bee Rescue and Preservation. The organization will safely remove and relocate hives.
The types of problematic insects may vary by region, but mosquitoes seem to be the universal pest.
Mosquito season is in full swing, and with it the buzz surrounding the increased threat of West Nile Virus infection.
According to the National Centers for Disease Control, 241 cases of the disease and four deaths have been reported.
Residents can protect themselves against mosquitoes by impeding the insect’s breeding cycle by emptying containers of standing water and using repellent.
Parrish said the combination of this summer’s early rainfall followed by warm weather has provided adequate breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, residents should not go outside during the early morning and early evening hours, when the insects are most active.
Insect prevention in residential and commercial areas may be crucial in protecting residents’ health.
To prevent insects from coming indoors, the National Pest Management Association recommends sealing cracks and holes, trimming tree branches and shrubbery, keeping attics and basements well ventilated and dry, and storing garbage in sealed containers and disposing of the contents regularly.
