Big Country mosquito season: Why you might get fewer bites this year

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – We’ve all been there — after a much-needed rain, we step outside for a walk to enjoy the smell of wet grass and dirt, and then, suddenly… OUCH! A mosquito bites you! We all dread mosquito season, especially since they seem to show up right when we least expect them, hovering around any place with still water. But with the lack of rain and the ongoing drought, we might not have to deal with them as much this year.

Here in Texas, mosquito season typically runs from March to September. Spring brings rain, and that’s when mosquitoes begin to repopulate the pools of water that form in creeks. They stick around through the summer months as the rain tapers off, only to return when we get showers again before the colder months roll in. But the drought, thanks to La Niña, has greatly impacted the Big Country and its ability to house mosquitoes this season, which means fewer bites for us, but it’s also a hit to the ecosystem.

Mosquitoes are a crucial food source for many animals, like fish, amphibians, and other aquatic insects. They’re also important for birds, bats, spiders, and reptiles — things we have no shortage of here in the Big Country. Beyond that, mosquitoes also play a role in pollination and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. So, while they might be a nuisance to us, they’re pretty important for other parts of life.

With the severe drought, it will take a lot of water to replenish our ecosystems and allow water to accumulate again. As long as the drought continues, we’re less likely to see the mosquito population surge this year.

While they might be a pest for us, they’re a blessing to our ecosystem, so there could be some consequences if we don’t get significant rainfall soon. While there’s some rain in the forecast, it’s not enough to bring the mosquito population back to the Key City and the rest of the Big Country.

Stay tuned as we get more information about when we will receive rain, and always remember to grab that bug spray when you’re out, just in case!