LA MARQUE – The City of La Marque is taking new steps to control the mosquito population by launching its own in-house mosquito spraying program this week, according to Public Works Director Shannon Breaux.

Spraying is scheduled to begin Thursday at 8 p.m., with trucks rolling out three nights a week — Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday — targeting areas most affected by mosquito activity.

“We’re starting with one truck and one licensed applicator,” said Breaux to KGTX 7. “Right now, it’s a limited operation, but it gives us the ability to respond more directly and quickly to mosquito complaints in our community.”

While Galveston County will continue to provide mosquito spraying services throughout the county, La Marque’s program is intended to serve as a backup service, giving the city more control over its most affected neighborhoods.

Spraying will take place only on select days to avoid large crowds and outdoor weekend gatherings. “We don’t plan to spray on Fridays or Saturdays,” Breaux added, “so we’re not impacting residents who may be outside enjoying events.”

The program will prioritize heavily populated mosquito zones first, and residents are encouraged to participate in the effort by submitting spraying requests through the City of La Marque website.

The city reminds residents to continue taking precautions against mosquitoes by eliminating standing water, wearing insect repellent, and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours when possible.