A mosquito surge is a trending topic in Houston lately. Bug spray is flying off the shelves, counties are working overtime to spray neighborhoods and families are retreating indoors during otherwise prime fall weather.
Mosquitoes have even become one of Houston's hottest topics on Twitter. The pests hatched about a week after the Oct. 9 rains. Floodwater mosquitoes, which can lay eggs that won't hatch for years until sated by water, are to blame for the recent surge in bites across the city, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Michael Merchant, an entomologist at Texas AgriLife Extension Service, says floodwater mosquitoes tend to be larger, have a more noticeable bite, and may bite through light clothing. Officials say a coming cool front could bring relief later this week.