Mosquito Control Services

The Environmental Health Division Mosquito Control Program applies proactive integrated mosquito management. Our program involves:

• Determining problem areas within Victoria County
• Continual surveillance of existing problem areas and potential areas of   concern
• Establishing control measures to eliminate mosquito producing habitats (i.e., source reduction), controlling immature stages of mosquitoes (larvae and pupae), and controlling adult mosquitoes.
• Continual evaluation of the Mosquito Control Program and its effectiveness

A number of diseases can be passed from the mosquito to both animals and humans. Encephalitis (i.e., West Nile Virus), malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever are diseases known to be carried and transmitted by mosquitoes.

You can significantly reduce the mosquito annoyance in your yard by eliminating potential breeding sites. Mosquito larvae (immature mosquitoes) need standing water to develop. Controlling the immature stages of mosquitoes requires integrating efforts by eliminating mosquito producing habitats, using biological agents (i.e., placing mosquito-eating fish in water tanks and garden pools), and applying chemicals, larvicide and adulticide. The Environmental Health Division uses a larvicide that contains a growth regulating compound applied while the mosquitoes are in the early stages of development and inhibits the mosquito’s ability to breed and reproduce.

Adulticides are used to kill off adult mosquitoes. The Environmental Health Division uses ultra-low volume (ULV) cold fogging ground spraying equipment. This equipment requires calibration and is vehicle-mounted. Due to specific application rates the vehicle should not exceed 10 miles per hour (mph). There are many factors that are taken into consideration before the Environmental Health Division can begin spraying. The rate of application, temperature and wind speed conditions must meet label specifications. If the conditions are not favorable, spraying can not take place. Conditions that are not favorable for spraying include wind speeds exceeding 10 mph and during the heat of the day when the adulticide is less effective and mosquitoes are not at their peak flight activity. Mosquitoes become more active in the early evening hours to early morning hours.

• While applying larvicide and spraying for adult mosquitoes, the general public can prevent mosquito breeding by following these recommendations:
• Remove and properly dispose of all unnecessary artificial containers that hold rain water, such as old tires, buckets, cans, etc.
• Overturn water containers when not in use, such as wading pools and flower pots.
• Store boats, wheelbarrows and children’s toys so that they do not collect water.
• Change water and scrub birdbaths, plant trays, pet bowls, etc. inside and outside of the house weekly.
• Keep ponds well-stocked with fish and keep vegetation at a minimum.
• Fill in low lying areas of your yard and flower beds.

Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable weather conditions in Victoria County, mosquitoes can appear almost any day out of the year. Generally the mosquito population is more prevalent from early spring to late fall. During early spring through late fall and if you live in a populated area of Victoria County you can call the Environmental Health Division or file a complaint using the Complaint Form and your area can be targeted for spraying. *Note: if you live in the city of Victoria please call 485-3200 for mosquito complaints.

The 4 D's to protect yourself against the West Nile Virus:

DUSK/DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.

DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors. See this article on West Nile Virus for more information on Mosquito repellents.

DRAIN standing water in your backyard and neighborhood – old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters. These are mosquito breeding sites.