BROWNSVILLE, Texas (June 23, 2018) – Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez announced today, the Public Health & Wellness Department’s Vector Control Division initiated larvicide distribution efforts on Friday, June 22, 2018, and will continue throughout Saturday, June 23, 2018, to prevent the development of mosquitos.

Vector Control crews continue to conduct mosquito surveillance efforts during this time to guard against Zika, Dengue, West Nile and other vector borne diseases. 

 “The City of Brownsville is working to reduce the risk of mosquitos through vector control efforts,” said Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez. “We encourage residents to take precautionary measures by removing standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs, cutting tall grass and communicating their concerns via our helpline 546-HELP.” 

Residents are reminded mosquito spraying will be conducted in appropriate weather permitting conditions and begins from dusk through the late night every night this coming week. 

Follow these tips to prevent mosquitos:

• Empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Follow the four D’s to protect from mosquito bites. Drain standing water, use DEET EPA approved products, Dress to cover the skin and avoid being outdoors during Dusk and Dawn hours.

To report mosquito concerns or illegal dumping, please contact 546-HELP: 

via Phone: (956) 546-HELP (4357) / Via Email: [email protected] / Via Access Brownsville App.

Residents may also submit mosquito reports and photos via the City of Brownsville’s Mosquito Service Request link to help City Staff identify mosquito activity:

https://www.cob.us/1731/Mosquito-Service-Request 

Follow the City of Brownsville Public Health and Wellness Department on Twitter at https://twitter.com/COB_Health