The county reported more than 1,500 mosquito-related complaints between May and June 2, as well as counts of up to 5,000 mosquitoes in a single trap collection. Aerial spraying could begin next week if weather permits.
Fort Bend County declared a local public health emergency due to the extraordinary rise in mosquitoes after weeks of persistent rain and standing water accumulation in various areas of the county.
The declaration was issued on Tuesday by the county’s interim judge, Daniel Wong, after the Health and Human Services team documented mosquito activity levels above what is typical for the season.
The county reported that health officials received 1,505 mosquito-related complaints between May and June 2. Counts of up to 5,000 mosquitoes were also recorded in a single trap collection, a figure that exceeds typical high-season levels.
The emergency allows expanding the county’s response
Wong said the declaration allows using more tools available to respond to the issue and to provide relief to affected communities.
The emergency facilitates coordination of control operations, including aerial spraying in areas where mosquito populations reached levels considered extraordinary.
Authorities indicated that aerial spraying could take place early next week, depending on the weather. Schedules and final zones may change if there is more rain or if conditions do not allow safe operation.
Aerial spraying will be performed by licensed operators
According to the county office, aerial operations will be carried out by licensed operators and must comply with federal, state, and environmental guidelines.
The county also maintains ground treatments in various areas. Those operations will continue even as aerial applications begin.
Maria Alanis-Caireli, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services communications coordinator, stated that the county is working on mapping the zones where aerial spraying would be applied. Final details about those areas would be published by county authorities.
Fort Bend County Mosquito Control is part of the Environmental Health division and works to reduce mosquito populations that can transmit diseases. The program uses surveillance, traps, testing, treatments, and integrated pest management strategies to control the presence of mosquitoes.
The rains left more standing water
The rise in mosquitoes comes after several weeks of rains in the Houston area and southeast Texas.
The accumulation of water in yards, ditches, pots, buckets, tires, drains, and other containers can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes in a matter of days.
The problem was intensified as the region also faced flood risks due to heavy rains associated with this week’s tropical pattern. The National Weather Service had issued flood warnings for southeast Texas, with rainfall estimates of 4 to 7 inches and higher amounts in isolated areas.
Governor Greg Abbott also issued a disaster proclamation for 101 Texas counties due to flood risks. Among the included counties were Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery.
What families can do at home
Health authorities recommend residents eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce breeding grounds.
Families can review:
- Outdoor buckets, cans, and containers
- Pots and trays under plants
- Old tires
- Children’s toys in yards
- Clogged gutters
- Pet waterers
- Tarps or plastics where water collects
- Drains and ditches near the home
It is also recommended to use repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved clothing when possible, and keep doors and windows with screens in good condition.
Those who see areas with standing water or high mosquito activity can check Fort Bend County’s official channels to report problems or consult updated information on the mosquito control program.
Who should take more precautions
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, so health authorities urge extra care for children, older adults, pregnant people, and residents with medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable.
Not all mosquitoes transmit diseases, but elevated presence increases the need for control and prevention.
Fort Bend County will continue with surveillance and treatments while aerial operations are being prepared. Authorities indicated that spraying schedules will depend on weather and rainfall conditions in the coming days.
The county will publish details on zones and schedules
Residents should stay tuned to official notices from Fort Bend County Health and Human Services and the Mosquito Control program.
Aerial spraying is expected for early next week if weather conditions permit. County authorities will update treatment zones and schedules when the program is defined.
In the meantime, the most immediate action for families is to remove standing water at home, use repellent, and report areas with high mosquito activity.
