As winter recedes in Dallas, and temperatures become more spring-like, bugs and insects are waking from their winter slumbers.

Dallas has seen its biblical throngs of cyclical insect invasions. It’s not known what this year will bring, yet mosquitoes pose a particular concern.

Ever since the Zika virus was discovered in South America last year, it’s been on the minds of Texans, especially those who travel or have family in Brazil or other hard hit countries.

In late February the World Health Organization said Zika was spreading explosively in the Americas.

What we know about Zika:

• It’s a mosquito born virus much like West Nile or Yellow Fever.
• There is no vaccine or treatment.
• Most common symptoms are fever, rash, headaches and red eyes.
• About 80 percent of people who contract Zika don’t know they have it.
• The biggest concern about this virus is its possible link to microcephaly, a condition where newborns have small heads and brains.

According to the CDC, Zika mosquitoes bite mostly during the day.

Key tips for preventing mosquito bites:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants. Yes, it will be summer soon so pick a lightweight material like linen.
• Stay inside with air conditioning – or in a screened in area.
• Make sure windows and doors have screens.
• Apply sunscreen before insect repellent.
• Do not travel to infected areas if you are pregnant.
• Use condoms as Zika can be spread through bodily fluids.

Taking all precautions, an earth-loving, environmentally conscious Texan wants to use mosquito repellent when they are outdoors. Consider decorating patios with insect repelling candles, diffusers and insect coils.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of repellents it deems effective against Zika.  This is a searchable database to see if your favorite brand is on the list.

The most effective insect repellents are those with DEET. According to Popular Science Magazine, DEET is safe to use. Don’t believe every Internet rumor you read.

Here are a few recommended products:

• Sawyer Jungle Juice 100 Insect Repellent made from a 98 percent DEET formula that won’t stain or harm clothes.
• Coleman 100 Max Insect Repellent.
• Ben’s 100 Max Formula Insect Repellent with 95 percent DEET formula.

Some insect repellents are made with synthesized plant oils like oil of lemon eucalyptus. Insect repellents with natural plant oils like soybean, lemongrass or citronella are considered safe to use by the EPA, but there is no information on effectiveness.

Do your own research, but here are a few suggestions for natural bug repellent:

• Repel, an all natural repellent made from lemon eucalyptus oil. Apply liberally.
• All Terrain Herbal Armor Spray Insect Repellant is made from soybean, citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemongrass and geranium oil.
• Natrapel 8-hour Insect Repellent Pump, which is made from 20 percent picaridin solution.