City of Brenham Encourages Residents to Help Reduce Mosquito Populations this Summer

As warmer temperatures and seasonal rainfall create favorable conditions for mosquito activity, the City of Brenham is reminding residents that mosquito control is a shared responsibility between the community and the City.

While the City actively works to reduce mosquito populations throughout the summer months, residents can significantly help by eliminating mosquito breeding habitats around their homes and properties.

How Residents Can Help

Mosquitoes only need a small amount of standing water to breed. Residents are encouraged to:

• Eliminate standing water in containers, flowerpots, tires, buckets, and other outdoor items.
• Change water at least weekly in bird baths, wading pools, pet bowls, and similar containers.
• Keep swimming pools properly treated and circulating.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Use mosquito repellents according to label directions.
• Consider using yellow “bug” lights outdoors, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes.

See also: Stop the Bite brochure

City Mosquito Control Efforts

The City of Brenham uses a comprehensive mosquito control program during the warmer months, typically from April through September, when mosquito activity is highest.

Adult Mosquito Fogging

The City's primary mosquito-control method involves ultra-low-volume fogging with a pesticide called Kontrol 4-4. Applied from specially equipped vehicles, this treatment targets adult mosquitoes and is typically conducted three times per week when weather and wind conditions are favorable.

Spraying begins approximately one hour before sunset and continues for up to two hours after dark, when adult mosquitoes are most active. During a single evening, crews can cover approximately 20 to 25 miles of city streets. This timing also helps protect beneficial insects such as bees, which have typically returned to their hives by dusk.

Storm Drain Treatments

City crews also perform daytime spot treatments in storm drains and other dark, damp locations where adult mosquitoes commonly rest.

Larval Mosquito Control

To prevent mosquitoes from reaching adulthood, the City applies Zoecon Altosid Briquettes to standing water in drainage ways, rights-of-way, and other areas that cannot be easily drained. These treatments target mosquito larvae before they mature and become biting adults.

Learn More

Residents can learn more about mosquito control and mosquito-borne illnesses by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency's mosquito control resources at epa.gov/mosquitocontrol.

The City of Brenham appreciates the community's assistance in helping reduce mosquito populations and creating a safer, more enjoyable outdoor environment for everyone.

For additional information, please contact the City of Brenham Public Works Department at 979-337-7400.