Buzz Off, Mosquitoes! It’s National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

Harris County Public Health’s Mosquito and Vector Control Division celebrates 60 years of protecting the community from mosquito-borne diseases HOUSTON – National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 15–21, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is joining health departments across the country to remind everyone how important mosquito control is for protecting public health. Mosquitoes may be small, but the diseases they spread can be serious. HCPH’s Mosquito and Vector Control (MVC) Division works year-round to monitor and reduce mosquito populations across Harris County, helping prevent the spread of viruses like West Nile, dengue, St. Louis encephalitis, chikungunya, Zika, and Eastern Equine encephalitis. “National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is a great time to recognize the work our team does every day to protect people from mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Dr. Courtney Standlee, Interim Director of the Mosquito and Vector Control Division. “For 60 years, we’ve been committed to preventing the spread of these diseases through science, surveillance, education, and community partnerships. Our work helps save lives.” HCPH uses a combination of surveillance, laboratory testing, and mosquito treatment to identify areas of concern, and take appropriate action. In 2024 alone, the MVC team found 680 mosquito samples to have tested positive for West Nile virus. The department uses quantitative real-time qPCR testing technology to detect viruses more accurately and faster than ever before, leading to quicker responses. Know the “3 Ts” While HCPH works year-round to control mosquitoes, the community plays a vital role, especially during warmer months. Everyone can help by following the "3 Ts" of mosquito bite prevention – Tip, Toss and Take Action.

• Tip – Empty standing water from containers like flowerpots, buckets, toys, birdbaths, and tires. Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water.
• Toss – Throw away unused items that can collect water.
• Take Action – Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, use insect repellent approved by the EPA, and make sure window and door screens are in good shape.

Residents can also take action by reporting dead birds to MVC, as birds are natural carriers of many viruses including West Nile virus. Mosquitoes can get the virus from infected birds and then spread it to people. To report a dead bird, visit www.hcphtx.org and click on “Report an Issue,” or call the Bird Hotline at (713) 440-3036. For more mosquito prevention tips, visit www.hcphtx.org/MC. Celebrating 60 Years of Service: Mosquito & Vector Control Milestones Since 1965, HCPH’s Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVC) has led the way in mosquito surveillance and disease prevention in Harris County. Here are some key milestones:

• 1965 – MVC was formed in response to a St. Louis encephalitis virus outbreak.
• 1985 – MVC became the first mosquito control agency in the U.S. to establish its own virology lab.
• 2002 – MVC detected the first West Nile virus in Harris County.
• 2013 – MVC expanded testing to include dengue and chikungunya viruses.
• 2016 – MVC increased vector surveillance throughout the county.
• 2024 – MVC upgraded its virology testing to qPCR, improving how viruses are detected in mosquito samples.

For six decades, MVC has protected Harris County using science-based strategies and a commitment to public health. This National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, HCPH thanks its dedicated team—and reminds everyone that mosquito control starts at home.