Mosquitoes feed on a plethora of blood sources, such as farm animals, monkeys, and birds, which carry diseases that the insects spread directly into the bloodstream of humans. Austin’s warm weather, high human concentration, and frequent rain make the city a harbor for several types of mosquitoes, chiefly the invasive Aedes genus, distinguishable by the white stripes on their legs and abdomen.
In the summer of 2025, high amounts of rain allowed their population to increase, raising concerns from the City of Austin about diseases like West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, and Zika. Josh Lien, owner of the Austin branch of Mosquito Joe, a pest control service that helps get rid of unwelcome insects, often identifies opportunities through which mosquitos can become an issue.
“The key for mosquito breeding is still standing water,” Lien said. “Mosquito larvae, which look like little worms, need organic matter to feed. So when you see a lot of these drainage issues, gutters that are hangin
g that will hold water, and there’s leaves in there as well, bases for flower pots, all of those areas are perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes.”…