FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Fort Bend County officials will conduct aerial mosquito spraying next week as part of an emergency effort to reduce mosquito populations and help protect residents from mosquito-borne illnesses.
According to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, aerial spraying is scheduled to take place from June 22-24, weather permitting. The operation will use the mosquito control pesticide Dibrom Concentrate (EPA #5481-480) and is expected to begin around sunset on June 22 in designated treatment areas across the county.
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County officials said the planned treatment areas could change based on conditions and operational needs.
The mosquito control effort comes after Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong signed a Declaration of Local Public Health Emergency Due to Extraordinary Mosquito Populations on June 16.
Officials said the emergency declaration was issued to help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission and other public health concerns associated with unusually high mosquito activity.
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Health officials are urging residents to follow the “4 Ds” of mosquito safety:
- Avoid Dusk and Dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain standing water around homes and properties.
- Dress in long sleeves and long pants when possible.
- Defend against mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET or other CDC-approved repellents.
Residents with questions about the aerial spraying program can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services aerial mosquito control information page or contact Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Environmental Health Division at 281-342-7469.
County officials encourage residents to continue taking precautions to reduce mosquito breeding areas and protect themselves from bites throughout the summer.