On July 23, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) Environmental Health reported a significant success in its mosquito control efforts, with surveillance showing an overall 83% reduction in mosquito activity following the county's recent aerial mosquito control operation. Mosquito trap counts dropped from 109,536 before treatment to 18,711 after treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of the operation in reducing mosquito populations across the targeted treatment areas, county officials said.

Of the 15 targeted treatment areas, 12 experienced reductions greater than 75%, significantly lowering mosquito populations in some of the county's highest-risk locations. One area recorded an increase in mosquito activity and is undergoing additional surveillance.

The aerial control operation was conducted in response to extraordinary mosquito populations that emerged following heavy rainfall and flooding, which created ideal breeding conditions—resulting in a surge in mosquito activity.

"These results demonstrate that our aerial mosquito control operation was highly effective in rapidly reducing mosquito populations across the targeted areas," said Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, Local Health Authority and Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. "Protecting our community requires a science-driven approach, and this significant reduction reflects the value of timely intervention, continuous surveillance and strong community partnerships. While these results are very encouraging, mosquito season is not over, and residents should continue taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites."

Reducing mosquito populations is an important step in lowering the risk of West Nile virus transmission, but no single treatment can eliminate that risk entirely. Because West Nile virus is maintained through a natural cycle between mosquitoes and birds, it can persist or re-emerge as environmental conditions change.

For this reason, Fort Bend County Environmental Health uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that combines year-round mosquito surveillance, laboratory testing, larval control, targeted adult mosquito control and public education. Surveillance data guide response efforts, ensuring resources are directed where they have the greatest impact on protecting public health.

Mosquito populations can rebound after rainfall, as new adult mosquitoes emerge or through movement from untreated areas. FBCHHS will continue monitoring mosquito activity throughout the season and implement additional control measures when surveillance indicates they are needed.

Residents also play a critical role in preventing mosquito-borne disease by following the “four Ds” of mosquito safety:

· Dusk and Dawn: Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

· Drain: Eliminate standing water around homes and businesses where mosquitoes breed.

· Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

· Defend: Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Additional steps, such as maintaining swimming pools, cleaning gutters, changing birdbath water regularly and ensuring doors and windows are properly screened, can further reduce mosquito breeding around the home.