Nurse Stopped; Drugs Found
June 1, 2023 – A Hopkins County Deputy noticed a Red Nissan Sentra fail to come to a complete stop at the intersection of Jefferson and Jackson St in Sulphur Springs. A traffic stop was initiated and the Nissan came to rest near the intersection of Houston and Jackson St. The traffic stop occurred at around 11:30PM.
As the Deputy approached the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana emanated from the car. The 51 year-old driver admitted to have a rolled blunt inside her car. She was asked to exit the vehicle. As she did, she grabbed her purse. A probable cause search of her purse revealed a brown glass bottle containing methamphetamine. A search of her vehicle revealed a cup in the center console filled with an alcoholic beverage and a baggie containing marijuana.
During her arrest, she stated that because she is a nurse, she should not be arrested for possession of meth. She was transported to the Hopkins County Jail without incident. Her vehicle was released to a friend.
No mugshot available.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
San Antonio Resident Charged with Money Laundering
June 1, 2023 – A San Antonio resident, who is a Honduran National, was arrested and charged with Money Laundering this week after a traffic stop on I-30.
Fifty year-old MANUEL ANTONIO ARDON was driving west on Interstate 30 near the 140 mile marker around 6pm on Wednesday. A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a defective tail light on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The SUV was also following a vehicle extremely closely. A traffic stop was initiated and the vehicle came to rest near the 140 mile marker. The driver displayed signs of nervousness and deception.
Ardon was searched and a large amount of cash, rolled and rubber banded was found. The Deputy became suspicious that Ardon was engaging in human trafficking. Permission to search the vehicle was granted. Additional cash, rolled and banded was located inside a suitcase.
Ardon was read his rights and admitted he had given two people rides and was now headed home.
Ardon is charged with:
34.02(E)(1) MONEY LAUNDERING >=$2,500<$30K
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
AAA States That The Deadliest 100 Days For Teen Drivers Has Begun
June 1, 2023- From Memorial Day through Labor Day marks what AAA calls the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. Nationwide, More than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during this 100 day period.
“Summer is historically a dangerous time for teen drivers,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Once school is out, teens will spend more time on the road, often driving with friends at odd hours of the day and night. Because of their inexperience, teens are more susceptible to dangerous driving behaviors – like speeding, driving distracted, and not wearing a safety belt. AAA urges parents to model safe driving behavior and reinforce safe driving habits with their teen drivers to help keep them safe this summer.”
Traffic accidents are currently the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16 – 17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.
National Teen Driver Statistics:
- An average of 2,108 teens are involved in deadly crashes, every year.
- 660 (31%) of those occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.
- These crashes result in an average of 2,341 deaths per year.
- 732 of those fatalities occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.
Common Risk Factors for Teen Drivers
Understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare both you and your teen for the road ahead:
- Distracted driving. Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distractions are teen passengers.
- Driving with teen passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.
- Speeding. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
- Not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.
AAA’s Advice For Parents
- Lead by example. Minimize risky behavior when you drive. Don’t drive aggressively, avoid distractions, and always wear your seatbelt. Your driving skills and judgement behind the wheel shape your child’s view of safe driving habits, even before they’re old enough to drive. Make safe driving a priority in your own life.
- Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving. Let your teen drive in a variety of conditions including inclement weather, busy interstates, and at night. This will help them become a more confident driver in imperfect situations.
- Teach defensive driving skills. Help your teen anticipate potential risks by constantly scanning the road for hazards. Then share advice for how to safely avoid them.
- Establish a parent-teen driving agreement which sets family rules like when the teen can drive, where they can go and with who. Then clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe.
Online Driving Course
AAA provides a online driving course to give solid foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce a teen’s risk behind the wheel. This supplemental program is an online, 25-hour course that features:
- Convenient, self-paced delivery
- Research-based curriculum
- Videos, simulations, and interactive exercises to enhance content retention
- Optional virtual parent session to help educate parents on the learning to drive process
Behind the Wheel Driving Courses
The AAA Approved Driving School Network helps identify the best driver training resources in your local community. These schools have passed AAA’s stringent standards and offer quality curriculum as well as the best value for students.
To learn more, email [email protected] or call (888) 222-7108.
Make A Splash This Summer At Cooper Lake State Park -Celebrating 100 Years Of Texas State Parks!
Cooper, TX— Make a splash this summer at Cooper Lake State Park! School is out and vacations are in full swing. The park has prepared both swimming area beaches with fresh, newly groomed sands. The lake water temperature is so perfect this month to cool off, relax, splash around, and enjoy! Make Cooper Lake State Park your destination for summer fun!
Cooper Lake State Park will present 15 educational and recreational programs during the month. June’s spotlighted programs are “Bark in the Park – hiking with your dog”, “Fishing with a Ranger”, and “Kayaking 101 – a nearshore boating adventure”! “Bark in the Park” is a ranger lead hike with your favorite furry companion learning about the flora and fauna of NE Texas while exploring the Coyote Run Trail. “Fishing with a Ranger” is a visitor favorite. Bring your own poles and bait or just show up and use the fishing gear and bait supplied by the park. Remember, no fishing licenses are required for this event or anytime you’re fishing at a Texas State Park from the bank or pier! “Kayaking 101” is so much fun. Ranger Alicia will teach you kayaking basics before you and the group head out on the waters of Jim Chapman Lake. This is a free event with your valid entrance permit. Kayaking spots are limited so make your reservations today for this exciting educational program by emailing Ranger Alicia at Alicia.o’[email protected]. These are just three of our numerous programs for June.
Bring each fun and learning-packed Saturday to a fitting conclusion with your family and friends by relaxing at a picnic table watching your food roast on one of our many day use picnic grills. If you are camping, relaxing around your campfire in the evening is unbeatable! The flickering fire light of a campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect you to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a tale or eat a meal!
Fish from the bank, off one of our piers, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek Floating Fishing Pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish are commonly caught at both park units this month.
Kids can play on one of three playgrounds found at the park complex. Other popular activities are hiking our trails or just resting under a giant Post Oak tree or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate, and recharge!
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 each for you and a friend of any age with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited visits for you and everyone in a vehicle you’re in can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass. This $70 pass is good for over 12 months from the day of purchase.
All programs are free with a valid entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife website or visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903) 395-3100).
Doctors Creek
Saturday, June 3 – DC
Kayaking 101 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration required if borrowing one of our kayaks – Meet at Lone Pine Kayak Launch – Learn to kayak, then go for an instructor lead paddle around the cove. Contact Alicia O’Connor – alicia.o’[email protected] or call (903) 395-3100 to register.
Sunday, June 4 – DC
Bark in the Park – 9 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking Lot. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely walk with your leashed pet on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, the pocket prairie, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Friday, June 9 – DC
Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Get an inside look at some of the mammals, and reptiles of the park.
Saturday, June 10 – DC
Art in the Park – 2 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Day Use Area – Calling all artists – all art supplies provided.
Saturday, June 17 — DC
Guided Nature Hike – 1 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking Lot. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, the pocket prairie, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Saturday, June 24 – DC
Fishing with the Ranger: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, June 25 — DC
Nature Journaling – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Let’s sit a spell and record the nature around us.
South Sulphur
Saturday, June 3 – SS
Roving Ranger Heron Harbor Day Use Area – 2:30 p.m. Spot Ranger Alicia and ask about the interpretive item(s) she’s carrying around with her.
Sunday, June 4 – SS
Bark in the Park – 2 p.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely walk with your leashed pet on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at a pocket prairie, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Friday, June 9 – SS
Skins and Skulls –2 p.m. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area – Get an inside look at some of the mammals, and reptiles of the park.
Saturday, June 10 — SS
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided.
Saturday, June 17 — SS
Guided Hike – 9 a.m. Meet at the Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail Head. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on the Little Blue Stem trail getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Friday, June 23 – SS
Light Painting – 8 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Boat Launch Parking Lot. We’ll use light to paint onto a subject or into a scene during a long exposure using your phone camera. Wear your darkly colored clothes and bring your creativity to create a light painting.
Saturday, June 24 – SS
Fishing with the Ranger: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall in the Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, June 25 — SS
Nature Journaling – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Let’s sit a spell and record the nature around us.
Cars Registered In Texas After 2025 Will No Longer Need To Pass A Safety Inspection, But Owners Will Still Pay The Fee
June 1, 2023- Many Texas drivers will no longer be required to have their cars pass an annual safety exam after state lawmakers removed the rule from Texas code.
Texas is one of 13 states that mandate annual inspections for cars. That will change in about 18 months now that the Texas Legislature has given final approval to House Bill 3297.
Supporters of the bill called the safety inspections time consuming and inconvenient. Opponents of the bill say it could set Texas drivers, and future Texans, on a dangerous path.
What did the Legislature change?
The Legislature repealed provisions in state law that mandate annual vehicle inspections. However, there will still be a fee of $7.50 that will remain intact under a new name: the inspection program replacement fee.
The 17 counties that require emissions inspections will still mandate annual tests regardless of the Bill becoming law. These counties are as follows: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.
Who is affected?
All Texas drivers outside of the exempted counties stand to be affected by the legislation. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, there are 22 million registered cars in the state. Annual inspections are used to determine if certain features of a car, such as the tires, seat belts or brakes, are safe to drive with.
A study mandated by the Texas Legislature in 2017 shows that cars with defects, such as bald tires or bad brakes, were three years older than the average registered vehicle, which is nine years old.
Almost a quarter of the people surveyed in the study were asked by a mechanic to fix slick or defective tires during an inspection, potentially preventing more accidents. Another report found that defective cars in Texas were more than three times as likely to be involved in a crash that resulted in a fatality.
Who influenced the bill’s outcome?
Republican Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine and Sens. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Bob Hall of Edgewood sponsored the Bill to do away with annual vehicle inspections.
Other groups and businesses — such as former Texas Sen. Don Huffines’ Liberty Foundation, Continental Automotive Group, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Conservative Coalition and Tesla — were all in favor of the Bill. Huffines, who owns a car dealership empire in North Texas, has been a vocal supporter of the Bill.
How much will it cost texans?
Drivers will still be required to pay the annual $7.50 when they register their vehicles. The money will go toward the Texas mobility fund, general revenue fund and the clean air account.
For drivers with new cars — either the current model or preceding model year that has not been previously registered in Texas or another state — there will instead be an initial fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
The Bill passed in house with a vote of 109-32 while in the senate passed with a 20-11 vote.
The Bill was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk Monday after lawmakers approved a compromise version of the Bill on Sunday. Pending the governor’s approval, the legislation goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
No Driving Licence Stop Lands Two in Jail
June 1, 2023 – ALEXANDER GARZA, age 43, was arrested in the parking lot of a Sulphur Springs grocery store this week after a traffic stop. A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Garza driving a blue Chevy Suburban. The Deputy knew Garza did not possess a valid driving licence. The traffic stop occurred within 1,000′ of Austin Academic Center, a drug free zone.
Contact was made with Garza, and he appeared to be agitated. The reason for the traffic stop was given to the passenger, and she became agitated. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle, and he complied. During a brief interview, Garza explained he needed to work to continue to provide for his family. When asked, Garza refused permission for his vehicle to be searched.
A open container of alcohol was visible in the vehicle. A K-9 unit was called, and alerted positive on the vehicle. A probably cause search was conducted. A bag of methamphetamine was located and a handgun wedged between the front two seats was also found. A records check confirmed the weapon was reported stolen out of Kilgore, TX. A tactical flashlight was located on Garza; that light matched a light installed on the stolen handgun.
The front seat passenger, JHERICO LASHEA HARVELL, confirmed ownership of the stolen handgun. Harvell, who is not related to Garza, is a 28 year old resident of Sulphur Springs. She has been charged with:
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 31.03(E)(4)(C) THEFT OF FIREARM
Garza is charged with:
1 481.134(B) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G DFZ HE IAT 481.1123 23FE0035 1 481.1123(C) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G
1 46.04(E) UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 NO DL
No photos of the accused were available.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Upcoming Athletic Camps at Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC athletic camps kick off June 12
Three athletic camps are being offered at Paris Junior College this summer, a boy’s basketball camp, a baseball uncommitted showcase camp, and a girls basketball camp.
Boys Basketball Camp, June 12-15
The Dragons All-American Boys Basketball Camp offers a week full of basketball and fun for boys in first through ninth grades. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 12-15 in the Hunt Center. Campers will receive a camp t-shirt and basketball as well as lunch daily; concessions are available.
Instructors will include PJC men’s basketball coaches and high school coaches. Campers will have skill development, stations and drills, fun contests and games, and daily awards.
The cost is $175 per camper, with group and employee discounts available. For more information contact Coach Bill Foy at [email protected] or 903-782-0395 or call the PJC Athletic Office at 903-782-0218. The registration form is available to download at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/sports/m-bball-camp.pdf.
Baseball showcase camp, June 13
PJC Baseball will hold an uncommitted showcase camp on Tuesday, June 13 at Hub Hollis Field. Players will go through a pro-style workout and be evaluated by the PJC coaching staff.
There will be a recruiting seminar for parents and players as well. The camp is open to all 2023, 2024, 2025 and junior college eligible transfers. Cost is $50 or $75 (if working out at two or more positions) by cash or check.
To register please send the following information to [email protected]: Name, Graduation Year, High School, Travel Team, Position(s) to work out at, email address, and cell phone number.
Girls basketball camp, July 31-August
PJC is offering a girl’s basketball camp for those aged six to 16 later in the summer, July 31 – August 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hunt Center.
“We’ll follow the same daily structure of instruction, character and team building, and competition games,” said PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian. “There will be a daily skills emphasis such as ball handling, defense, shooting, and plyometrics.”
Campers will receive a free t-shirt, and are asked to bring their own lunch. They will need to wear athletic gear and shoes and bring water and their lunch. Camp cost is $150, with an early bird rate of $130 through July 15, as well as group or multiple child discounts. The registration form may be downloaded at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/sports/w-bball-camp.pdf. The completed form, with a deposit of $75, may be mailed to the PJC Women’s Basketball Camp, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460.
For additional information, contact Coach Christian at [email protected] or call 903-782-0207.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sponsorships for the 4th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo Sought
Sulphur Springs, TX – Plans for Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s ever-popular Designer Handbag Bingo are well underway. Sponsorships are now available for this event which will be held on Thursday, August 3.
A Luxury Bag Sponsorship runs $2,500 and includes a front row reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
The Tote Sponsorship is $1,500 and includes a premium reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ names and logos will be displayed next to the designer bags, and the sponsors’ logos will be printed in the program. Additionally, the sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
A Satchel Sponsorship is $500 and is a bag sponsor only, with no tickets. The sponsor’s name will appear next to the bag, printed in the program, and acknowledged from the podium. Clutch Sponsorships are $250 each and are bag sponsors only, with no tickets. The sponsor will receive the same marketing benefits as with a Satchel Sponsorship.
The various level of sponsorship determines the value of the purse being sponsored. Examples of past designers include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hobo, Fendi, Brighton, Gucci, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
Approximately 500 women and men will attend the event and enjoy the fun of bingo and great designer handbags.
Proceeds of the event go toward initiatives of the Foundation which is to improve Hopkins County healthcare.
To sponsor go to handbagbingo23.givesmart.com and for more information, email [email protected] or call 903-438-4799.
Governor Abbott Announces Immediate Special Session Agenda
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has announced special session #1 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the Special Session that began at 9:00 PM on Monday, May 29. Governor Abbott issued the following statement:
“I will soon be signing laws that advance our state and the future of all Texans, including laws that:
- End COVID restrictions and mandates;
- Provide more than $5.1 billion to secure the border and fund the Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the border wall;
- Designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations;
- Prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder;
- Protect women’s sports and female collegiate athletes;
- Focus community colleges on preparing Texas students for high skill careers;
- Increase electric power generation to secure the Texas power grid;
- Hold rogue district attorneys accountable;
- Protect children from life-altering gender mutilation;
- Ban illegal DEI hiring practices in our colleges and universities;
- Add $1.4 billion to make Texas schools safer;
- Require armed security at all schools;
- Provide access to mental healthcare for students at all schools; and
- Require regular safety checks of school buildings.
Despite these major achievements, more must be done for the people of Texas. Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be required. To ensure that each priority receives the time and attention it deserves to pass into law, only a few will be added each session.
Special session #1 will focus only on cutting property taxes and cracking down on illegal human smuggling.
We must cut property taxes. During the regular session, we added $17.6 billion to cut property taxes. However, the legislature could not agree on how to allocate funds to accomplish this goal. Texans want and need a path towards eliminating property taxes. The best way to do that is to direct property tax reduction dollars to cut school property tax rates.”
Special Session #1 agenda items include:
- PROPERTY TAXES: Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers.
- BORDER SECURITY: Legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
How To Prepare For Mosquito Season By Mario Villarino
Warmer temperatures and rain means mosquito season is underway in most of the state. With an increase in mosquitoes comes an increase in bites. While these insects pose a big annoyance for Texans, here are five tips on how to protect your home from mosquitoes this summer.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes develop in stagnant water. Limiting water-filled breeding sites around the home can reduce populations in proximity. It takes an immature mosquito around 10 to 14 days to develop in water, so it is a good rule of thumb to replace or remove water that has been sitting for longer than five days. Potential areas to check for standing water include water dishes, bird baths, plant saucers, leaky faucets, and gutters. Observe your surroundings for water that is standing for more than a few days and dump the water or make sure it is free of larvae.
Utilize screens and closed doors: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that is emitted when we breathe. While screens on open windows and doors are an effective barrier to keep mosquitoes from entering homes, it is vital to ensure that screens do not contain holes and that doors stay closed. It is highly recommended that you use screens on your windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. Mosquitoes are going to do what they have to in order to get to us.
Keep a well-trimmed yard and shrubbery : While preferences with personal property may vary, it is vital to prevent the type of habitat where adult mosquitoes thrive. Potted plants, thick, tall grass and overgrown landscape plants provide shelter for mosquitoes. By managing these types of environments around your home, you prevent the likelihood of mosquitoes following you into your home. It is important not to have too many potted plants or overgrown shrubs because those serve as harborages for adult mosquitoes to thrive in. If provided with a still water source, mosquitoes can reproduce at a rapid rate. Reducing this, in addition to managing other ideal living environments, plays a big part in protecting your home from mosquitoes.
Utilize repellents and be consistent: Texas is home to over 80 species of mosquitoes that thrive throughout the warmer months both during the day and at night. If you are outdoors, using is one of the only sure-fire ways to prevent mosquito bites. Spray products like “Off!” are recommended because they are better able to mask our scent from mosquitoes. Citronella candles are not nearly effective since the scent does not travel far enough to provide any protection in an area.
Be aware of mosquito activity: it is important to be aware that mosquito activity varies from species to species. Some are active early in the morning while others are active at dusk and during the night. Preventative measures can reduce mosquito populations in or near your home, and consistent use of repellents can reduce bites. If you see or notice a public area where mosquito populations are heavy, notify your local public health department to report sites. Action by public health professionals can reduce mosquito populations and mitigate their spread to other areas. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
