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Memphis and Shelby County Health Department
Vector Control Program
2480 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 324-5547
FAX (901) 324-9932
vector.control@shelbycountytn.gov
LC Garth, Manager
Daniel Sprenger, Ph.D., Entomologist
Vector Control Purpose:
To reduce environmental public health threats associated with mosquito and rat infestations in Memphis and Shelby County through larval and adult mosquito control, surveillance, habitat reduction, public education, community outreach, and public health advisory media releases. A senior entomologist oversees the professional and technical functions of the countywide mosquito control program. The rat program focuses on reducing the rat population by enhancing urban sanitation practices through enforcement of local environmental sanitation ordinances, conducting residential block surveys, investing citizens' complaints, promoting community education outreach and baiting as required to prevent rat infestations. The Vector Control Program is comprised of three major components:
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What is a Vector? What is Vector Control?
What is the Vector Control Program?
Why an expanded Vector Control Program?
How do I file a complaint?
 Information regarding Vector Control Fee to provide expanded county-wide integrated services.
What is a Vector?
Vectors are small animals or Arthropods, which spread disease causing organisms or cause discomfort or injury to the human population and domestic animals. Examples of vectors, but not limited to, are:
- mosquitoes,
- rats,
- flies,
- fleas,
- ticks,
- mites,
- spiders and certain stinging insects.
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What is Vector Control?
Vector Control is the reduction of the number of animals (i.e., mosquitoes, rats) that spread disease.
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What is the Vector Control Program?
In Memphis and Shelby County Health Department administers the county's Vector Control Program to prevent countywide epidemics such as mosquito and rodent-borne diseases. The program is comprehensive, comprising a variety of services and operations. Activities are conducted by scientists (i.e., entomologist, epidemiologists, environmentalists) and technicians who specialize in the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.
The Vector Control Program works closely with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Vector Borne Disease Division and has received regional recognition for its efforts to provide efficient and effective mosquito and rodent control.
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Why an expanded Vector Control Program?
- An integrated approach to disease prevention within the entire County is crucial to operating an effective program.
- Recent population shifts toward the suburbs necessitate the expansion of the Vector Control Program to continue to maintain effective service.
- The effectiveness of the program will be enhanced by coordinating activities with local control programs operated by the municipalities within Shelby County.
- More rapid investigation and response to complaints will increase program effectiveness.
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For additional information about any of the Vector Control Programs call (901) 323-8403 or (901) 324-5547 during normal business hours.
How Do I File A Complaint?
If you have a complaint about mosquitoes, rodents, or question about rabies control, you can e-mail the Vector Control Office by clicking here. Someone will reply to your question within one business day.
Example Complaints:
| Mosquito Concerns |
Rat Infestations |
Illegal Dumping and Littering |
| Rat Baiting |
Rat Harboring |
Garbage/Junk Nuisances |
| Mosquito Spraying |
High/Grass Weeds |
Abandoned Swimming Pools |
| Mosquito Surveillance |
Insect Identification |
Sewage Out-Cropping |
| Used tires contibuting to mosquito breeding |
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