Mosquito Control

Mosquito Control

EH-MosquitoControl@fbctx.gov

281-238-3001

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UPDATED SPRAYING ACTIVITY

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MAKE A REPORT                                                                                                                                                                                            MOSQUITO ACTIVITY DEAD BIRD

Our initiative at Fort Bend County Environmental Health Mosquito Control is to safeguard the health of Fort Bend County residents by preventing mosquito-borne diseases and controlling mosquito vector populations through environmentally responsible practices. Our approach is grounded in scientifically-based strategies and systematically planned management techniques aimed at reducing vector abundance efficiently. This methodology is known as Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM). To learn more about IMM click here.

The Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program, dedicated to safeguarding the health and safety of Fort Bend County Residents through: 

• Conducting surveillance both proactively and in response to complaints.
• Monitoring mosquito populations via vector surveillance techniques including trapping and larval counts.
• Identifying arthropod-borne (Arbo) viruses (viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects) through samples collected and analyzed both at the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory and internal in our lab.  
• Educating citizens, community groups, and the media on mosquito control and prevention measures.
• Investigating reported cases of arboviral infections in humans and animals received by FBC Epidemiology.
• Applying adulticide (spraying) and larvicide based on disease related activities and surveillance data that would warrant needed applications. Fort Bend County does not perform spraying on request or on a set schedule.

Mosquito and Dead Bird Surveillance 

Fort Bend County Environmental Health (FBCEH) conducts mosquito surveillance throughout the county to monitor mosquito populations and detect mosquito-borne viruses. The County uses three types of mosquito traps at more than 90 locations across Fort Bend County. Collected mosquitoes are identified and tested for West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV), and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV).

Why Do We Test Dead Birds? 

Birds play an important role in the transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV). The virus is primarily maintained through a cycle between infected mosquitoes and birds. When a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it can acquire the virus and potentially transmit it to other birds, animals, or people through subsequent bites. 

Certain bird species can become infected with WNV and may die from the infection. Dead birds can therefore serve as an early indicator of West Nile virus activity in an area. As part of its mosquito surveillance program, FBCEH monitors reports of dead birds and may collect eligible specimens for testing. 

If you find a dead bird, please report it to FBCEH. When appropriate, County staff can collect the bird and submit it for West Nile virus testing. Results from dead bird testing along with mosquito trapping, help FBCEH identify areas where WNV may be circulating and determine where additional mosquito surveillance or control measures may be needed. 

Reducing Mosquitoes Before They Become Adults 

Mosquito control begins before mosquitoes become biting adults. As part of its integrated mosquito management program, FBCEH applies larvicides to appropriate areas of standing water to control mosquito larvae before they develop into adult mosquitoes. 

The County uses larvicides containing active ingredients such as methoprene, spinosad, and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). These products target mosquito larvae in water and are an important part of reducing mosquito populations before they can become biting adults. 

Residents can also help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating or managing standing water around their homes and properties. Mosquitoes can develop in surprisingly small amounts of water. 

Help Prevent Mosquito Breeding 

Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of standing water as well as larger water sources around your home. Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water and properly maintaining areas where water cannot be removed. 

• Dump or drain standing water around your home regularly. 

• Clean gutters and keep them free of debris so water can drain properly. 

• Empty and clean containers such as buckets, flowerpots, toys, and pet bowls regularly. 

• Change the water in wading pools and birdbaths every 3–5 days. 

• Cover or properly store items that can collect rainwater when they are not in use. 

• Maintain swimming pools and hot tubs by keeping them properly chlorinated and free of debris. 

• Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns to prevent mosquitoes from entering. 

• Use mosquito dunks or another approved larvicide in water that cannot be drained, emptied, or covered. Always use larvicides according to the product label. 

By eliminating standing water and properly managing water that cannot be removed, residents can help reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes and throughout the community. 

Where mosquitoes grow around your home  

Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites 

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites helps reduce mosquito populations, but protecting yourself from mosquito bites is also an important part of preventing mosquito-borne disease. 

FBCEH recommends following the 4-Ds of mosquito safety  [4-D's poster]: 

• Dusk and Dawn: Mosquito activity can be higher around dawn and dusk. Take precautions when spending time outdoors. 

• Drain: Drain flowerpots, pet dishes, clogged gutters, and other containers that can hold standing water. Treat water that cannot be drained or removed with an appropriate larvicide. 

• Dress: Wear long sleeves and long pants when spending time outdoors. 

• Defend: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the product label. 

Choosing an Insect Repellent 

When selecting an insect repellent, look for an EPA-registered product and follow the directions on the label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Find the Repellent That's Right for You tool can help you identify products based on the type of pest, desired protection time, active ingredient, and other product information. 

https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you 

 

Adulticide Applications 

The county sprays for mosquitoes when we detect positive mosquito pools. A pool is a group of mosquitoes tested for a mosquito-borne virus. The county does not spray on request. All treatments performed by the county are based on the data from our surveillance efforts and disease related activities. Our surveillance is conducted weekly across the entire county and the mosquitoes collected from these efforts are counted, identified, and tested. The County utilizes mosquito control products that are registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To learn more about the regulation of pesticides with public health uses click here. The County currently uses Fyfanon ULV and Evergreen Ground 5-25. 

For More information on truck-based spraying visit https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/truck-spraying.html 

Beekeeper Information 

By using an integrated vector management strategy, we aim to protect your hives and other pollinators through the following strategies: 

• Applying products through an Ultra Low Volume system that reduces the impact on bees 

• Apply adulticide products at night, when pollinators are less active 

• Using products that are specifically labelled and tested for control of mosquitoes 

Steps you can take to reduce exposure to your hives: 

• Cover hives at night when bees are less active 

• Keep hives away from the street—at least 300 feet if possible 

• Create a barrier between the street and your hives 

If you would like to request your house, or areas you keep hives to not be sprayed, email EH-MosquitoControl@fbctx.gov with your address/the address you do not wish to be treated, with the subject line: Do Not Spray – Bees. 

If you do not wish to have your property treated for another reason, email EH-MosquitoControl@fbctx.gov with your address/the address you do not wish to be treated, with the subject line: Do Not Spray – Other. 

For more information on Mosquito Control and pollinator protections, visit https://www.mosquito.org/pollinator-protections/ 

Additional Information 

Residents are encouraged to use the provided resources to learn more and take preventative measures to protect themselves and loved ones. 

West Nile Virus Information from the CDC 

Zika Virus Information from the CDC 

How to Fight the Bite 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you spray inside City limits within Fort Bend County? 

Fort Bend County Mosquito Control only sprays inside city limits if the city does not have a means to spray and only if it's in response to a virus detection or a human case that is of concern.   

Do we have West Nile Virus in Fort Bend County? 

Yes, WNV has been found in Fort Bend County since 2001 and is primarily transmitted through the bite of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus. 

What is the risk of someone becoming infected with West Nile? 

WNV poses a low risk. Even in regions where the virus is present, only approximately 1% of mosquitoes carry it. Around 80% of WNV cases are asymptomatic, meaning a person never gets sick. About 20% of those infected may develop West Nile fever, characterized by flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of individuals bitten and infected will develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, though those who are immunocompromised or over 50 years old are at higher risk for this severe form. 

Can dogs, cats, and other pets get the West Nile virus? 

Yes, pets can get WNV. Horses are very susceptible but can be vaccinated. Cats and dogs rarely, if ever, get sick. Most infections have been identified in birds. Birds can become very ill from the virus, so it is recommended that pet birds be kept indoors, especially during dawn and dusk. 

Can pets be outside during spraying? 

When applied according to label instructions, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insecticides do not pose a risk to human health. Truck spraying poses minimal risk to pets, animals, and the environment. If people prefer to stay inside when spraying takes place they can, but it is not necessary 

How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected mosquito? 

The typical incubation period ranges from 2 to 6 days but can extend to 14 days. Individuals with specific medical conditions affecting the immune system may experience a prolonged incubation period.  If you think you have been exposed, please consult your primary care physician.  

Where are all the mosquitoes coming from? 
 
Mosquitoes need water to grow. Any amount of standing water could allow mosquitoes to grow. To help reduce this, dump and remove any containers that can hold standing water.  
  

What can I do about biting gnats? 

Biting gnats are a nuisance insect that, primarily, is active during the day and is not a disease carrier. Therefore, adulticide spraying is not performed. Residents are advised to practice the Four Ds to aid in preventing exposure: Dusk & Dawn, Drain, Dress, and Defend.  Products containing Bti for mosquitoes can also be effective against many types of gnats.  

How can I request my property be sprayed? 

The primary objective of mosquito control is to protect public health by targeting areas with high mosquito vector populations that pose a risk for transmitting diseases. Spraying is generally conducted based on epidemiological data and the presence of disease, rather than individual requests.  

Can Mosquito Control spray for a special event? 

 
While we do not spray on request, as resources are available, we can set traps and larvicide the area around the event.  

Why do I never see the spray trucks out anymore? 

 
Mosquito control trucks may be less visible due to changes in timing, weather conditions, and public health guidelines that regulate when and where spraying occurs. These treatments are conducted during specific hours when mosquitoes are most active, often in the late evening to the early morning (9pm-4am). Additionally, advances in technology have led to the use of quieter and more efficient Ultra Low Volume (ULV) equipment, which produces a less visible spray compared to the older, louder thermal foggers that created large, visible clouds of insecticide. 

 
What training is required for workers who apply pesticides? 
At Fort Bend County Mosquito Control, workers who apply pesticides are required to be licensed through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) under the Texas Pesticide Law. Additionally applicators must complete a set number of continuing education units (CEUs) every year. This process ensures that applicators have the necessary knowledge to apply pesticides safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

 
Will the adult mosquito spraying affect my swimming pool water, lawn furniture, play equipment, toys, etc.? 
Adult mosquito spraying is specifically designed to target mosquitoes while minimizing impacts on the environment and human health. Modern mosquito control products are formulated to break down rapidly into non-toxic compounds, primarily through processes such as UV exposure and natural evaporation. These breakdown processes ensure reduced exposure to humans, pets, and the surrounding environment, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of Fort Bend County Mosquito Control efforts. 

 
What if I have a vegetable or fruit garden? 
Just as you normally would, wash your vegetables and fruit before you eat them. 

 
Do you provide public education about mosquitoes? 
If you are interested in having us come and speak about mosquitoes and what we do, please contact EH-MosquitoControl@fbctx.gov. Depending on our available resources we will work to come out and provide information.  

 
Where can I learn more? 

 
We recommend visiting www.mosquito.org , www.texasmosquito.org, or https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/index.html for additional information regarding mosquito control.