Report an Issue

Mosquito Control

Dead Bird Reporting

Contact the HCPH Mosquito and Vector Control Bird Hotline at (713) 440-3036 or use this form to report a dead bird.

Please note: Dead birds must meet testing criteria. Dead birds (dead for less than one day, no signs of trauma and no ants or maggots) being submitted for testing for West Nile virus will be accepted at HCPH Mosquito and Vector Control, Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm.

HCPH Mosquito and Vector Control Division is located at 3330 Old Spanish Trail (OST), Houston, Texas 77021 Southeast corner of Hwy 288 and OST, (Building D)

Please use the OST entrance (front gate) which is only accessible to eastbound OST and northbound Hwy. 288 feeder traffic.

For those unable to drop off dead birds, HCPH Mosquito and Vector Control Division will pick up all testable dead birds, regardless of species, from all areas of Harris County.

If the bird cannot be reported or picked up right away, wear gloves to double-bag the bird and place it in a refrigerator or ice chest that is not used for food. If that is not possible, wear gloves to double-bag the bird and cover it with ice until it is picked up.

If testing is not required, wear gloves to double-bag the dead bird and dispose of it in the trash.

Wild birds may carry diseases that are contagious to humans. Therefore, only by using appropriate precautions should people handle sick, injured or dead wildlife. Window and domestic cat-kills are still the main cause of bird deaths around our homes and communities.

Although test results will not be provided to individuals submitting dead birds, the efforts to report them for testing are an important part of West Nile virus surveillance in our community. Information on birds testing positive for the virus will be available on our website.

Mosquitos Breeding Site

Request and inspections for mosquito breeding

Tick Submission Information

Harris County Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) is dedicated to protecting the public from tick-borne pathogens. Ticks are ectoparasites that can cause disease and illness through blood feeding on humans and animals. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness. There is no charge for testing. This service is for ticks found inside Harris County limits and that have not been attached on humans.

**For submission of ticks that were attached to a human, please contact MVCD at 713-440-4800 for further guidance.

Image Submission: Snap. Send. Solve the question: Have you found a disease vector in OUR COMMUNITY? To support submission and identification process, please submit a well-lit, clear photograph of the tick(s) along with the submission form.

Submitted tick(s) will be identified to determine species, life stage, and sex. All ticks will be tested for the presence of pathogenic agents of Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia genera. If the tick is found positive, results and further testing will be communicated to the submitter and posted on the MVCD website (hcphtx.org/MC).

Drop-Off Instructions:

On-Site Visit Instructions:

Mail-in Instructions:

Complete the HCPH Tick Submission form online.

Our main office is located at 3330 Old Spanish Trail Rd., Building D, Houston, TX 77021. (Enter at 3303 Luca St, Houston, TX 77021)

We are open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM.

A member of our team will contact you for an estimated date and time to ensure available staff.

Completely fill out the HCPH Tick Submission form online.

All visits by the MVCD team must be within Harris County limits and during business hours.

A member of our team will contact you to coordinate a date and time.

Completely fill out the HCPH Tick Submission form online.

  1. Place tick(s) into secure containers or bags and double-bag. Place a copy of the accompanying HCPH Tick Submission form. Then place into the shipping box or envelope.

Submit shipment to:

Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Laboratory Services

3330 Old Spanish Trail Building D

Houston, TX 77021

Reporting Results: MVCD will contact the submitter via the preferred method of communication within 2-3 weeks of receiving submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  1. Does the tick have to be dead? Ticks can be dead or alive upon receipt. We kindly ask that you place the tick in a secure container to prevent release.
  1. The tick was attached to my dog; can I submit it? Yes! The only ticks we do not test are those that have been attached to a human.
  1. I do not have any supplies to ship a tick, what can I do? You are welcome to request an on-site visit from our Vector Surveillance team for pick-up. We also provide tick collection submission kits if you would like to have just in case.
  1. What do I do if it is positive for tick-borne disease? Our testing program is for surveillance of tick species and pathogen presence in the county. We cannot recommend any medical advice for you or your pets. However, we can provide preventative guidance and education.
  1. When can I expect results? Please allow 2-3 weeks for testing results to be finalized. We may communicate to the submitter if this timeframe increases or decreases.

  1. If you develop any symptoms suspected tick bite do not wait for results, please contact your primary care physician.

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