MCHD balances mosquito control with public concerns during mosquito season 6-2-26

June 2, 2026

MCHD balances mosquito control with public concerns during mosquito season

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is continuing a mosquito control mission that has been carried out since 1816, using a broad range of public health strategies to protect residents across Mobile County.

Through its Vector Services department, MCHD works to reduce mosquito populations by treating breeding sites in the larval stage, operating nighttime spray trucks on 50 routes, trapping mosquitoes to identify species, using aircraft in hard-to-reach rural areas, and maintaining a sentinel chicken program to monitor mosquito-borne disease activity.

At the same time, MCHD recognizes that some residents have concerns about mosquito spraying, including people who report sensitivity to adulticide applications and beekeepers working to protect their hives.

“At the Mobile County Health Department, we want the public to know that mosquito control starts long before a spray truck enters a neighborhood,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “The first and most effective step is removing standing water from containers, tires, and other places where mosquitoes breed. Spraying is one of the last steps we use, after breeding sites are addressed and other control methods have been considered.”

MCHD works with residents whenever possible while continuing to prioritize the protection of public health.

Residents who have concerns about adulticide spraying in their area may contact Vector Services at 251-690-8124.

MCHD also offers an online portal that allows residents to request help from Vector Services and receive feedback related to mosquito or rodent concerns. Residents can learn more at mchd.org/vector-control. Those without internet access may call 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control or 251-690-8819 for Rodent Control.

In addition, MCHD has launched an interactive story map that helps the public track mosquito activity, learn about arboviruses, and find ways to protect themselves and their families. The story map is available through mchd.org under Community Tools and through the ArcGIS collection link included in your original draft. You can also click here.