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Mosquito Season in Ellis County: Simple Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard

Writer: Daniel Jernigan
Daniel Jernigan
6 hours ago
2 min read

Long evenings on the porch are one of the best parts of living in Ellis County, and a few easy habits can keep mosquitoes from crashing the party. Here are the questions we hear most, answered with guidance from Texas A&M AgriLife and local health departments.

When is mosquito season in North Texas?

It is a seasons-long event that follows the weather, especially rain. Texas A&M AgriLife describes it in waves:

  1. Floodwater mosquitoes show up first after heavy rain, in ditches and soggy low spots. They tend to be persistent biters.

  2. Container mosquitoes come next, breeding in anything that holds water.

  3. Culex mosquitoes, the kind that can carry West Nile virus, show up as water goes stagnant in hot, dry weather. They typically become a concern in late summer and early fall.

How can I reduce my risk of West Nile virus?

Preventing bites is the best protection. AgriLife suggests:

  • Use an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone. Check the label for age limits; a 2024 AgriLife Today article notes no repellents on babies under 2 months, and no oil of lemon eucalyptus on children 3 and under.

  • Wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants.

  • Limit time outside from dusk through the night. Culex mosquitoes are most active from about 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

  • Empty standing water around your home.

Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but some get sick. If you have a high fever, bad headache, stiff neck, or confusion, see a doctor.

What should I dump or clean after it rains?

Take a quick walk around the yard after every rain. It only takes a few days for mosquitoes to go from egg to biter. Check:

  • Birdbaths and flowerpots

  • Buckets, wheelbarrows, trash cans, and old tires

  • Gutters

  • Unused pools (drain or cover them)

For water you can't dump, AgriLife says granular or "dunk" larvicides can help.

Does the city spray, and how do I know where?

Some cities and counties run mosquito control programs, especially during outbreaks, and typically spray at night. AgriLife notes these sprays are temporary. Check your own city or county's website for local spraying notices.

Who do I contact in Ellis County about West Nile or a dead bird?

Ellis County keeps a West Nile Virus information page with a fact sheet, FAQs, and instructions for reporting a dead bird. The Texas Department of State Health Services also posts weekly mosquito-borne disease activity reports by county.

Related guides: fleas and ticks · fire ants

Need a hand?

If you'd rather have a local pro take a look, Stroope Pest Control is happy to help. We're locally owned, right here in Ellis County, and we serve Waxahachie, Red Oak, Midlothian, Ennis, Ovilla, Glenn Heights, Italy, and Forreston.

When you have problems, we have solutions. Call (972) 938-2129.

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