Everything's bigger in Texas, and unfortunately that includes the mosquito population. With more than 85 different species calling the Lone Star State home, Texas tops the list of American states with the worst mosquito problem — a real consideration for anyone planning a summer road trip through barbecue country.
The reason is simple: heat and humidity. Texas summers regularly push past 100°F (the statewide average high in 2023 was a sweltering 98.3°F), and large swathes of the state stay humid for months. Mosquitoes thrive in exactly those conditions, and the heat makes them hungrier — they dehydrate just like we do, so they're keen to feed. Expect the worst at dawn and dusk, when temperatures dip slightly and the insects come out in force. Mosquito season here is long, too: roughly May through November.
That shouldn't put you off visiting. Texas packs in some of the country's best summer travel: world-class barbecue in Austin, live music and nightlife in Houston, the criminally underrated Guadalupe Mountains National Park, clear-water lakes in the Hill Country, and state parks with big scenery and modest crowds. You just need a game plan for the bugs.
The health angle is worth taking seriously, not just the itch. Texas health authorities report 976 confirmed West Nile virus cases over the past five years, including 106 deaths — and since around 80% of infections cause no symptoms, the true count is likely far higher. Zika, malaria, yellow fever and dengue can also occur in the state. Most bites amount to an annoying red bump, but it's still worth protecting yourself.
The advice from Texas health officials is straightforward. Cover up with loose, long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and use a repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Skip the perfumed lotions, and if you're camping near lakes or rivers in lowland areas, pack a head net or book accommodation with air conditioning and screens. Midday — when the heat is at its fiercest — is actually your safest window for outdoor sightseeing, and it's also a good excuse to spend the evening hours indoors over brisket and a cold drink.
Who is this story for? Anyone eyeing a Texas trip between May and November: national park hikers, festival-goers, families road-tripping through the Hill Country. The mosquitoes are a manageable nuisance if you prepare — DEET, light long layers, and a bit of timing around sunrise and sunset will cover most of it. If you're travelling with young children, pregnant, or immunocompromised, it's worth checking current health advisories before you go, given the state's confirmed cases.
Pack the repellent, keep the evenings covered, and Texas delivers one of the most rewarding summer trips in the United States — bug bites aside.