Brazoria County, TX
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Operations
Surveillance
In our Integrated Pest Management strategies, surveillance plays a crucial role. Through our surveillance program, we can assess the scope of our mosquito issues and plan our control activities accordingly on a daily basis. Surveyors conduct landing rate counts, larva counts, and inspect multiple locations weekly, during the mosquito season.
Larva sampling is a crucial aspect of our daily operations. Our inspectors examine water-containing areas to check for larva presence. The collected larva samples aid in identifying the mosquito species and their developmental stage. By assessing the larva quantity and their developmental stage, we can predict their hatching time and estimate the potential population size. This preparation allows us to treat large adult populations if needed. Additionally, we regularly monitor our marshes for tidal flooding, tracking environmental changes like rainfall and tide levels. Understanding these conditions helps us anticipate mosquito population changes and predict potential hatch-offs from salt marshes.
Landing count Surveying/checking for larvae in the marsh
Traps and Testing
Our efforts in Brazoria County are crucial for monitoring and managing mosquito populations. By setting up light and gravid traps, we are able to capture mosquitoes for identification and testing for viruses. Traps are placed at various locations throughout the county weekly. The following day, the traps are collected, and mosquito samples are tested in house at our lab at Brazoria County Mosquito Control District and also sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services for testing for mosquito-borne viruses. Monitoring for potential West Nile outbreaks is a key priority. In case of a positive mosquito sample, additional traps are set up in the area as well as additional spraying in the affected area. Surveyors will persist in monitoring the location for any further positive mosquito samples.
Mosquitos caught in trap Mosquitos caught in trap
Gravid trap Light Trap
Larviciding
The Brazoria County Mosquito Control District applies larvicides to roadside ditches, low-lying areas, and storm drains where mosquitoes breed.
These proactive measures help to reduce the mosquito population and minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the community. By targeting these breeding grounds, the Brazoria County Mosquito Control District aims to create a safer and more comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike. Through their dedicated efforts, they play a crucial role in promoting public health and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the area.
Spraying larvicide in ditch
Spraying larvicide using handheld sprayer
Modified trucks for safety
Adulticiding
Brazoria County Mosquito Control District uses both ground and air equipment to spray for adult mosquitoes. ULV trucks are a common sight throughout the summer and fall months. They provide localized relief for residences of Brazoria County. When there is a widespread outbreak or when the landing rate counts begin to climb, we also use aerial spraying. The length of relief from adulticiding is only temporary and depends upon many factors.
Factors such as weather conditions, mosquito species, and treatment effectiveness play a crucial role in determining the duration of relief provided by adulticiding. While ground spraying targets specific areas, aerial spraying covers a larger area more quickly. This comprehensive approach helps to manage mosquito populations effectively and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the community. By combining these methods, Brazoria County Mosquito Control District strives to create a safer and more comfortable environment for residents, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of mosquitoes.
Truck spraying at night
closer look at our spray units