Jeff Davis Parish is experiencing a mosquito outbreak.

Jeff Davis Parish Mosquito Abatement District No. 1 Director Robert Tonn said control efforts have been hampered by the recent weather.

“Some people say we waited too long, but you can’t spray with rain, and that’s when we need to do something,” Tonn said.

Traditionally September and October during teal season are the peak months for mosquito activities in the parish. However, the outbreak appears to have started early this year due to the rain and because farmers started flooding their second crops earlier, Tonn said.

“They have only gotten bad within the last week,” Tonn said. “They haven’t been bad all summer. Our traps have been averaging about 500 to 600 (mosquitoes) and it’s taking us a little while to get it under control because our parish has grown with a lot more houses.”

The majority of the mosquitoes that are the problem now are coming from the flooded fields, pastures and any low spots in the yard, he said.

While the mosquito problem is widespread, areas north of Interstate 10, especially Hathaway, Elton and Fenton, are experiencing higher numbers, according to Tonn.

“I hate to say it, but it probably will get a little worse, just due to the fact that we weren’t able to get out and spray this week,” he said. “And it will take some time to get the whole parish. It’s going to take more than one application to get the numbers back down.”

Keeping the mosquito population under control requires two airplanes and 10 trucks, though the parish currently only has five drivers available. New drivers are currently being trained, he said.

“We did spray with the airplanes on Labor Day night and the following night, but then weather picked up and we haven’t been able to spray again,” he said. ““We ask the public to just be patient. We are going to spray and we will get around to it. Just give us time. It takes time and good weather.”

Mosquito control is usually able to cover the parish within a week to 10 days with two planes and four to five trucks, if the weather allows, Tonn said.

To date the parish has reported two positive cases of the West Nile virus in the southwest corner of the parish. Two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis were also reported on the westside of the parish.

It is recommended that homeowners buy insecticides from local farm supply stores to spray around their homes and livestock barns in between Jeff Davis Parish mosquito applications.

Residents are also urged to wear repellent during peak mosquito times.

Residents can also help reduce mosquito breeding locations by keeping their grass mowed and getting rid of any standing water. Fans can also be used in doorways to keep the mosquitos out.