Texas Tech Entomologist Discusses West Texas Mosquito Population Growth [INTERVIEW]

Entomologist Dr. Scott Longing with Texas Tech's Plant and Soil Sciences Department joined Lubbock's First News Wednesday (July 1) to discuss the area's booming mosquito population.

With the amount of rain the Lubbock area had in 2015, the mosquito population has also increased. What are some simple ways Lubbockites can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes?

Dr. Longing suggests getting rid of standing water and not going outside at dusk to avoid being swarmed by mosquitoes. Removing mosquitoes' habitat possibilities helps, he said.

But while mosquitoes are more active after dusk, the amount of mosquitoes out there currently is leaving some people swatting the insects even during the afternoon.

"Some chemicals will deter," said Dr. Longing. "From my experience, citronella doesn't work very well. Maybe in a small area."

Listen to the entire interview with Dr. Scott Longing in the video above.

Tune in to Lubbock’s First News with Tom Collins and Laura Mac each weekday morning from 6 to 8:30 a.m. on NewsTalk 790 KFYO or online at KFYO.com.