If you find yourself swatting at mosquitoes and think it is a little too late in the year for an outbreak, think again.

Experts say it is still mosquito season in Texas, even though it is the first week of fall.

Why a mosquito outbreak so late in the year? The outbreak affecting Abilene and some parts of the Big Country is connected to Tropical Depression Lowell, which dumped several inches of rain on Abilene and other areas a few days before Hurricane Ike pounded the Gulf Coast.

Officials in Abilene say the current outbreak is basically at the nuisance level.

The city of Abilene is currently spraying for mosquitoes. Residents should contact the Environmental Health Division to schedule spraying for mosquitoes.

"We had about 20 mosquito calls Monday," said Glenn Bailey, manager of the Environmental Health Division with the city of Abilene. "But we are continuing to spray throughout the city."

According to the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, mosquitoes come in two waves -- the first is associated with floodwaters and the second wave came from mosquitoes that breed in standing water. The second wave has the most potential to carry diseases like the West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

"The (flood-related) mosquitoes hatch about eight to 10 days after the flood event, so they are hatching right on time," said Dr. Chris Sansone, of the Texas Agrilife Extension Service in San Angelo.

Heavy rainfall in mid-August -- a few weeks before Ike -- caused localized flooding and standing water in various areas throughout Abilene and the Big Country. This rain event caused the worst mosquito outbreak in Abilene this summer, city officials said.

"We got over 200 calls in one day after that event," Bailey said. "Because it was still hot, and they were breeding."

Sansone said there is not much anyone can do about the flood-related mosquitoes because they typically lay eggs along creek banks and beds, and the eggs can lay dormant for up to three months.

"We will be dealing with those mosquitoes for about a week," Sansone said.

The second wave are those that the homeowners can do something about, he said.

There are measures residents can take to combat mosquitoes.

The best way to combat mosquitoes after flooding is by applying the "four Ds" of personal protection -- DEET, dusk/dawn, dress and drain.

n Use a mosquito repellent with DEET picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

n Restrict activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

n Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts or blouses and long pants.

n Drain bottles, cups, unused plant pots, tires and other items that might provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Mosquito season is not over because the pests can develop in temperatures in the mid-70s and 80s, Sansone said.

"The cold weather will kill them off, but temperatures have to dip to below 50 degrees overnight before the season is over," Sansone said.