Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes can cause outbreaks of several mosquito-borne diseases of public health concern in Texas, including encephalitis, West Nile virus, dengue fever and dog heartworm. Effective mosquito control helps to control mosquito populations to reduce or prevent these outbreaks and serves to enhance the enjoyment of outdoor activities by everyone in the community.

To report a mosquito problem, call 512-978-0370 or send an email.

West Nile Virus information

Arbovirus Surveillance Maps:

View the latest Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Map, which highlights those zip codes in the Austin-Travis County area where adult mosquitoes from one or more traps have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

View historical Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Maps:

• Calendar Year 2011
• Calendar Year 2010
• Calendar Year 2009
• Calendar Year 2008
• Calendar Year 2007

For more information about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, visit:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Mosquitoes
• Protecting Yourself and Preventing Mosquitoes
• West Nile Virus in Texas from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
• West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Mosquitoes and the Diseases they Transmit from the AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System
• Choosing an Insect Repellent from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Mosquito Safari, an interactive website from the AgriLife Extension Services, Texas A&M System

Rodent Control

Rodents, particularly rats, are responsible for substantial property damage. They may transmit diseases that could affect public health, such as Murine typhus, plague, salmonellosis, trichinosis, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever.

To report a rodent problem, call the rodent information line at 512-978-0370, or send an email

To report code violations that are contributing to a rodent problem, such as tall weeds/grass, trash, or debris, call 3-1-1 or file a complaint online. The City of Austin will conduct an investigation and pursue legal action if necessary to bring the property into compliance.

Tenants experiencing rodent problems in multi-family or commercial rental property are advised to contact either the Austin Tenant's Council or the city's Code Compliance Department at 3-1-1. Landlords are required by law to maintain their rentals free from rodent or insect infestations.

Bees and Stinging Insects

City Ordinance, Chapter 3-6, regulates the maintenance and management of bee colonies within the City limits where an individual has intentionally brought honeybees onto their property for that purpose. The ordinance does not apply to “wild” colonies which have established themselves in naturally protected places such as tree hollows, tree stumps, etc., or any other location not associated with conventional beekeeping activity. We are not licensed to exterminate, remove, or relocate “wild” honeybee colonies or swarms; however, we can provide information, education, and consultations upon request.

To report a bee or stinging insect problem, call the Bee Information Line at 512-978-0370 or send an email.

Other Bee & Stinging Insect Resources

• City of Austin Ordinance Chapter 3-6

• Honey Bee Information from Texas A&M University

• Insect Information from Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University

Bats

Bat season is here and Austin is once again home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. And while bats contribute greatly to our ecosystem, Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department wants to remind the public how to protect themselves around these animals. Awareness is the best tool citizens have against exposure.

Learn more about bats in Austin and tips to avoid them.