Vector Control
What is a vector?
An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another.
What does Vector Control do?
Metro Health's Vector Control Program provides a comprehensive integrated pest control program which suppresses the mosquito and rodent populations to protect the residents of and visitors to San Antonio from diseases that these organisms can spread.
Services
- Vector Control – Uses source reduction techniques and pesticides as necessary to control insect and rodent disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes, rats, and mice. Mosquitoes are controlled on public property by eliminating the breeding source, applying pesticides to stagnant water and “fogging” for adult mosquitoes. Rodent infestations on public property are treated with EPA-approved rodenticides.
- Public Information and Education - Use of press releases, information campaigns, neighborhood meetings, flyers, websites, and one-on-one consultations to communicate strategies for preventing or eliminating disease vectors on private property.
- Surveillance – Trap and identify specific vector populations to target control measures.
- Bee Control – When it is necessary to control bee infestations on public property, Vector Control Technicians eliminate feral swarms and colonies through the use of integrated pest management.
Contact Information
Routine service requests may be made by calling 207-8853.
For bee attacks after hours, on weekends or holidays, call the San Antonio Fire Department by dialing 911 to report emergency problems dealing with bees.
The Vector Control Program does not treat private property for insect or rodent problems.
