MCHD to begin mosquito spraying earlier this year as mosquito counts and complaints increase 5-15-26

May 15, 2026

Mobile County Health Department to begin mosquito spraying earlier this year as mosquito counts and complaints increase

MOBILE, Ala. — Because of increased mosquito counts from trapping activities and a rise in resident complaints across the county, the Mobile County Health Department will begin mosquito control spraying earlier than usual this year.  Our spraying activities will begin on Monday, May 18.

The mosquito control mission has been a part of public health work in Mobile County since 1816. Through its Vector Services department, MCHD uses a range of strategies to reduce mosquito populations and help protect residents from mosquito-borne disease.

These efforts include 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.

MCHD also recognizes that some residents have concerns about mosquito spraying, including individuals who report sensitivity to adulticide applications and beekeepers working to protect their hives. The department works to balance those concerns with the need to reduce mosquito activity and protect the public.

“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 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.

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

In addition, MCHD has launched an interactive story map to help residents 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.