Vector Control

Vector Control

The Grounds Division is responsible for the mosquito spraying in the City of Hondo. Mosquitos can cause outbreaks of several mosquito-borne diseases of public health concern in Texas, including encephalitis, Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, Chikungunya and dog heartworm. Effective mosquito control helps to control mosquito populations to reduce or prevent these outbreaks and serve to enhance the enjoyment of outdoor activities by everyone in the community.

Vector Spray Pattern Map

Spray pattern map for the Mosquito SeasonVector Spray Pattern

The program typically begins in April and runs through October depending on weather.

The program will cover all 4 quadrants as follows:

  • Day 1 - NW quadrant
  • Day 2 - SW quadrant
  • Day 3 - SE quadrant
  • Day 4 - NE quadrant

Once all four quadrants are covered, crews will continue to spray quadrants on an as needed basis depending on need and weather.

Weather conditions that restrict vector spraying:

  • Rain (causes 24 - 48 hour delay)
  • Gust Winds of 15 mph or higher

Other mosquito control functions include treating locations where there is standing water with larvicide to prevent mosquito larva from developing into adult mosquitoes and reducing adult mosquito populations using environmentally friendly methods and current technology and equipment.

One of the primary functions of the Vector Control Program is educating the public about eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home, as well as enforcing City Ordinances against having properties with overgrown weeds, overgrown grass and standing water.

How to prevent mosquito breeding:Mosquitoes Chart Prevention Breeding

  • Look around the outside of your house and get rid of any tin cans, jars, plastic containers, plant pots, old tires, and any other containers that can hold stagnant water.
  • Properly dispose of old tires.
  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly.
  • Keep all swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated even if they are not being used.
  • Remove any standing water from culverts.
  • Store plastic wading pools, buckets, barrels, and wheelbarrows upside down so that the water cannot accumulate in them.
  • Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
  • Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for mosquitos, so keep your yard trimmed.
  • Use landscape as a way to prevent accumulation of stagnant water.

Important:

  • All mosquito control adulticides used by the City are approved by federal and state regulatory agencies.
  • Adulticide applications are made by vehicle mounted ultra-low volume foggers, which minimize exposure to people and the environment.
  • Adulticide products target adult mosquito populations
  • Adult mosquito control products will not damage vehicles or outdoor furniture, and are not known to be harmful to vegetation and pets.
  • The product is applied at a time when non-target insects (butterflies and bees) are not active.

View the brochure. (PDF)

Contact Public Works at 830-741-5077