World Mosquito Day observed on Thursday 08-17-26

August 17, 2026

World Mosquito Day observed on Thursday

MOBILE, Ala. — As World Mosquito Day approaches, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reminding residents that the observance is not a celebration, but a call to action. The day commemorates British physician Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria—an insight that continues to shape global public health efforts today.

In Mobile County, the presence of Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes mosquito species underscores the ongoing risk of mosquito-borne diseases. In recent years, Gulf Coast communities have reported cases of Zika, Dengue, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya — diseases that can have serious health impacts.

Many mosquito risks are preventable. Everyday actions, such as allowing standing water to collect in buckets, containers, or yard debris, create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Failing to use EPA-approved insect repellents or to wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, can further increase exposure risk.

“World Mosquito Day is a reminder that prevention starts at home,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness for individuals and the community.”

Residents are encouraged to:

• Eliminate standing water around homes, including in flowerpots, gutters, tarps, and outdoor containers.
• Use EPA-approved mosquito repellents when outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times at dawn and dusk.
• Ensure window and door screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

MCHD actively conducts mosquito surveillance and control activities throughout the county. Residents who are experiencing significant mosquito activity in their area may request mosquito spraying services by contacting the Mobile County Health Department or submitting a request through the department’s website.

Our online portal is now available to help the public request assistance from Vector Services and receive feedback on their request to deal with mosquitoes or rodents. To learn more, visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal for ordering services.

The telephone numbers for those without internet access are 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control and 251-690-8819 for Rodent Control.

By taking proactive measures and working together, the community can reduce mosquito populations and limit the spread of disease.