Aerial begins in Fort Bend County after mosquito population grows to become public health emergency

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Aerial mosquito spraying begins in Fort Bend County on Monday evening as part of an emergency response to the overwhelming mosquito population, county officials said.

Weather permitting, planes will drop pesticides over designated areas around the county each evening through Thursday, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services said.

This comes about a week after Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong declared a public health emergency due to the overwhelming number of mosquitoes in the area.

Fort Bend County officials said residents can protect themselves by following the 4 "Ds" of mosquito safety:

• Avoid Dusk and Dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Drain standing water around your property
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when feasible
• Defend yourself with repellent containing DEET or other CDC-approved mosquito repellents