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1. Can mosquitoes carry disease?

Mosquitoes can be pests and often interfere with the quality of life. Most important, mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases to humans. The more severe human diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are St. Louis encephalitis, Western Equine encephalitis, and possibly West Nile encephalitis. These viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal to humans and other animals.

2. How can I protect myself from mosquitoes?

Most mosquitoes are active at dusk and just before dawn. They also prefer areas that are shady, humid, and where there is little wind. The best protection would be to stay inside after dusk and just before dawn. However, this would be a very restrictive life style and not possible for many.


Read more about protecting yourself from mosquitoes.

3. Is mosquito surveillance conducted?

The Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's Mosquito Control Program has a very aggressive surveillance component with great emphasis placed on obtaining accurate intelligence on local mosquito activities.

Read more about mosquito surveillance activities.

4. What types of mosquito surveys are being conducted?

Two types of mosquito surveys are currently conducted: larval surveys and adult mosquito surveys.

5. What can I do to protect my family from mosquitoes?

The mosquito that bit you last night may have hatched right in your own backyard. Look for places where rainwater collects and stands. Mosquitoes also hide in heavy grass or other vegetation.

Learn more about protecting your family from mosquitoes.

6. What comprises Arbovirus surveillance?

Arbovirus surveillance is done with the use of sentinel chickens, wild birds, and dead crows. Learn more about these Arbovirus surveillance methods.

7. What is a sentinel chicken?

Sentinel chickens are used for Arbovirus surveillance.

8. What is done to help control mosquito breeding?

To help reduce the mosquito population, the primary techniques conducted by the Health Department Vector Control Section are habitat modification, larviciding and adulticiding.

9. Why do mosquitoes bite?

Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite. A "blood meal" is required in order to develop eggs. 24 hours after hatching, a female mosquito flies off in search of a meal. She searches for body odor, moisture, warmth, and the carbon dioxide we exhale. When she bites, she injects a bit of saliva that slows coagulation so blood flows freely. Your body's allergic reaction to the saliva is what causes the welt and the itch later on.