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BUGCO will fog for mosquitoes between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings, weather permitting and in coordination with the City’s concurrent schedule (if applicable). While this practice significantly reduces the mosquito population, it does not eliminate it.

Given the recent rains and high temperatures, conditions are highly conducive to mosquito breeding. Mosquito fogging is restricted by legal limits on the amount of chemicals that can be applied within a calendar year. If the frequency of application is increased to more than twice a week, that limit would be reached as early as September, and treatments would cease sooner than mosquito season ends. To maintain an effective mosquito control strategy throughout the year and minimize disruptions, it is essential to adhere to the current schedule and respond adaptively to environmental conditions.

For additional information and measures for mosquito control and prevention, you may visit:

Mosquito Control at Home | Mosquitoes | CDC

Preventing Mosquito Bites | Mosquitoes | CDC

Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites | US EPA

Best Trash extends sympathy for all of those affected by the storm. We understand that this is a catastrophic event and that it will take some time for the County to clean up the area. Please note that storm debris is not part of the normal heavy trash collection. Our main focus will be to collect household trash. Please ensure that the storm debris is separate from your regular trash to avoid any confusion.

Regular trash and recycle will be serviced as normal going forward.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Beryl, Fort Bend County Road & Bridge is coordinating the collection and removal of disaster debris within Fort Bend County. Fort Bend County Road & Bridge will begin debris collection and removal beginning early next week. In order to recycle as many materials as possible, residents are asked to separate disaster debris into the following piles:

• Construction and Demolition Materials
• Electronic Waste
• Household Hazardous Waste
• White Goods
• Vegetative materials (trees, limbs, brush, leaves, etc.)

DO NOT MIX OR PLACE NORMAL HOUSEHOLD TRASH WITH STORM DEBRIS CURBSIDE

Normal Household Trash – normal household waste, recyclables and bagged debris of any kind will not be collected with your storm debris. Please continue to follow your normal garbage removal schedule.

Please note that this operation is ONLY for disaster debris. Please do not attempt to place garbage or other household refuse with the disaster debris, as it will not be accepted, and will delay your storm debris collections. Regular trash removal services in the community will continue as scheduled.

Please place the debris piles at the curb in the public right-of-way (not in ditches) in front of your home or business as soon as possible. Please do not block any public utility such as fire hydrants, water valves, road signs, etc. If properly separated, it will be picked up by crews.

Fort Bend County | Hurricane Beryl Recovery Information

Independence Day is synonymous with fireworks and celebration. They are a fun way to commemorate the holiday and enjoy a bit of excitement. Though awe-inspiring, fireworks can also be dangerous if not handled properly. It is important to use caution while enjoying this festivity.

As a reminder, fireworks are legal for purchase and transport in the unincorporated parts of Texas but could be restricted by your homeowners’ association, so make sure you check your deed restrictions. Further, bringing fireworks into many municipalities within Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties can be illegal and carry heavy fines per violation, so keep that in mind when celebrating on Thursday evening and through the weekend. If you want to celebrate within the cities, be sure to check out local shows put on by professionals and save yourself the cleanup afterward!

Following the safety guidelines below will help keep you and your family safe from harm should you choose to light fireworks in the evenings. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Be sure to back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks have burned out, douse the spent device with water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Be sure that fireworks are legal in your area before you buy or use them.

It is possible to enjoy fireworks while still being safe! Remember to steer clear of short fuses and suspicious packaging.

When it comes to safety, the numbers don’t lie; according to the NFPA:

• Fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries, and $109M in direct property damage. (Note: Total may not equal sum because of rounding error.)
• In 2022, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 people for fireworks-related injuries; Over half of those injuries were to the extremities (29% hands and fingers, 19% legs, 5% arms) and 35% were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 28% of the estimated 2022 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.

Lastly, celebratory gunfire is always illegal in Texas cities with a population greater than 100,000. The crime of illegal discharge of a firearm within city limits is a misdemeanor punishable by as much as $4,000 in fines and one year in jail. Firing a celebratory bullet that harms another person could lead to a felony charge of deadly conduct, punishable by a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.

Any issues involving gunshots, fire- and/or medical-related emergencies should always be directed to 911.

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Jugging is a term used to describe a form of scam or fraud in which individuals are targeted and robbed after leaving a bank or ATM. This criminal activity involves a group of people working together to steal cash or other valuable items from unsuspecting victims. Criminals who engage in jugging often observe their targets as they enter and exit banks or ATMs, looking for people who withdraw large amounts of cash or items from safe deposit boxes. They then follow the victim to their next destination, usually a retail store or other business, and wait for an opportunity to break into their car and steal their valuables.

One of the best ways to prevent jugging is to be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting a bank or ATM. Take note of any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, such as jewelry. If possible, use electronic banking services or credit cards to make transactions.

When leaving a bank or ATM, be sure to check your surroundings and make sure you are not being followed. If you suspect that someone is following you, call the police or go to a safe location, such as a police station or crowded area.

Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and make sure your car is locked and windows are rolled up. If possible, park in a well-lit area with security cameras. To avoid becoming a victim of jugging, individuals should be aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving large amounts of cash or valuables in their vehicles, and take steps to protect themselves and their valuables.

If you believe you are being followed, or if you are victim of jugging, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

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Summer is here, the kids are out of school and for many residents this means traveling for summer vacation.

As a resident of Fort Bend Municipal Utility District 128 (FB MUD 128) you have access to free vacation watches by Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4.

Residents can request a vacation watch at no cost. While away from your residence, Fort Bend Constable Precinct 4’s Office will patrol the area and keep a watchful eye on your home.

Please leave detailed information about your home such as:

• Will you be leaving any lights on in the home?
• Do you have any pets staying in the home?
• Is there an alarm system and if so, will it be armed?
• Have you authorized anyone to come into your home?
• Are you leaving any vehicles at your home?
• Is there a secondary contact we can reach out to in case we are unable to reach you?

To request a vacation watch from Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, click here to fill out a vacation watch form.

Please remember to update Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office of any changes such as additional people coming to your residence or changes in date of departure or return.

Tips for the home while you’re away:

• Inform the alarm company of your departure and make Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Office the first contact while you are away from home, as this will save valuable time in getting law enforcement to your residence.
• Have lights on timers, as having lights on around the clock is a sign no one is home.
• Leave a parked car in the driveway with no valuables inside.
• Make arrangements for your pets, whether it be someone coming to your home to walk and feed them, a boarding facility, or having them stay with a trusted family member or friend.
• Make sure your pet’s information such as ID tags, collars, and microchips are up to date and give a list of emergency contact information about your pet such as preferred veterinarian, updated shot records, and other medical information with the authorized person(s) watching your pet.
• Finding a trusted person to house sit is one of the best ways to avoid your home looking empty.
• Find an emergency contact that can be called in case you cannot be reached.
• Put your mail on hold with USPS Hold Mail. This will keep your confidential information in a safe place till you return (for up to 30 days).
  https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Hold-Mail-The-Basics

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BUGCO Pest Control will fog for mosquitoes between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Water Conservation does not require you to dramatically change your lifestyle overnight, but it does require each of us to become more aware of how and why we are using our water. Even as we come to a close of summer and children return to school, high temperatures will continue through September and into October. Below are some simple suggestions from Fort Bend Municipal Utility District 128 (Fort Bend MUD 128) to assist you in helping conserve water for our community.

Household Tips:

Check and Inspect:

Thoroughly check and inspect all your pipes, hoses, faucets and even appliances for any type of leaks. The smallest leak can easily result in 1000s of gallons of wasted water.

Lifestyle Habits:

One of the biggest habits to adopt is turning off the water while doing daily hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth, washing hands, shaving, etc. By turning off the water during just one of those habits, the average home can conserve 2,000 plus gallons of water each year.

Dishwasher Efficiency:

Most conventional dishwashers use between 7 to 14 gallons of water per load. A water-efficient dishwasher uses only 4.5 to 7 gallons of water per load. A second way to conserve water is to only run your dishwasher with a full load of dirty dishes. Whether you run one dish or a full dishwasher the same amount of water is being used each time you run it.

Another water-efficient appliance you can investigate is your clothes washing machine. On average your normal washing machine will use upwards of 10,000 gallons of water each year. A high-efficiency washer machine uses between 30% to 50% less water per load. That equals nearly 5,000 gallons of water each year.

Watering Your Lawn

The best way to maintain a healthy lawn is to water it deeply and infrequently. A thorough watering once or twice a week is better than frequent, light sprinkling.

Plan to water your lawn at least once a week (but no more than three times) for about an hour to give your lawn an inch of moisture. Measure water with a rain gauge or place a tuna can under your sprinkler system to catch water. The can is about an inch high, so once it’s full, you’re done watering. You can measure the depth of the water by how easy it is to push a dowel or screwdriver into the earth to the proper depth: too hard – water deeper; too easy – you may be overwatering your lawn.

Make sure the irrigation system is doing its job. Uniform watering can help avoid brown spots and keep the turf healthy from root to tip. Check the irrigation system weekly to make sure each section of the turf is being supplied with the appropriate amount of water.

To ensure your lawn gets the most possible water, follow these tips for how often to water your lawn in the summer:

• Be respectful of water restrictions if present in your community.
• The best time to water your lawn in the summer is in the early morning hours, ideally before sunrise, or late in the evening after sundown. This way, the water has a chance to soak in before the sun dries it out.
• Carefully place your sprinkler or hose to avoid watering the street and sidewalks. This is just a waste of water.
• Monitor the watering to make sure that certain areas aren’t becoming too saturated.
• Don’t forget to account for rain when watering your lawn. If you have had an especially rainy week, you won’t have to water your lawn as much – or at all, if the ground is still moist. Rainwater is always better than processed water for your lawn!
• If you have an irrigation system adjust your timers as the weather changes and inspect for damaged or leaking heads.

Outdoor Tips:

Yard Maintenance:

Early in the morning and late in the evening are the two best times to water your yard. When watering in the middle times of the day, we increase the rate of evaporation due to the hotter temperatures. Two more ways to conserve water this spring is to eliminate as many weeds as possible and add mulch to all our flower beds. These two things will work together to conserve water for your home. Weeds are known to steal water away from your other plants, so by simply removing weeds, you will not have to water your plants and flowers as often.

Pool Maintenance:

There are a few simple ways that residents can conserve water when it comes to the pool. First, examine your autofill hardware and setting on a monthly basis. Be sure to check for leaks that would cause your pool to fill unnecessarily. Secondly, clean all pool filters as regularly as possible to prevent unnecessary backwashing. Backwashing can use up to 1000 gallons of water each time it occurs. Lastly, if possible, cover your pool/hot tub when not in use to prevent evaporation.

Just remember, water conservation is a lifestyle choice that we all can make. By simply adding one of these small steps to our daily routines we can save gallons of water each year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the district through our website’s “Contact Us” page.

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The District wants to inform residents of the presence of an alligator in the ponds. As the temperature rises, we want to warn against swimming and fishing in the ponds.

There has been a recent confirmed alligator sightings in the ponds. The Board is not taking any action to remove the alligator but wants residents to be aware of the sightings. The district wants to remind residents to treat all wildlife with respect. Feeding, harassing, injuring, or removing wildlife, including alligators, is against the law. Remember that they’re an important part of Texas’s natural history, as well as an integral part of many wetland ecosystems.

Stay safe around alligators by following these rules:

Do not feed or harass alligators. The District advises against feeding or offering food, including fish or bait, to alligators.

Other tips:

• Retreat: always keep at least 30 feet away from alligators. If you get too close, back away slowly. Do not assume that alligators are slow and sluggish. They are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or outswim the fastest person for the first 30 feet.
• Hiss: If an alligator hisses, it’s warning you that you are too close. Back away slowly.
• Protect: A female protecting her nest or young may charge if you get too close but will quickly return to the nest after you leave. Avoid piles of twigs, grasses and/or soil near the side of the lake. Also avoid any group of small alligators under a foot long.
• Bask: Alligators often bask along the banks of ponds or streams. They are usually warming their bodies; they are not actively hunting. Often a basking alligator will have its mouth open. It is cooling itself, as alligators do not pant or sweat.
• Pets: Pets are the size and shape of common alligator prey. Keep them away from the water’s edge and on leashes that are no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave your pet unsupervised. Alligators have a keen sense of smell. Your pet will be curious, and the alligator may see it as an easy food source.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t kill, harass, bother, or try to move alligators. A provoked alligator is likely to bite.
• Don’t feed or entice alligators. When fed, alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed to or attracted to humans.
• Do tell others that feeding alligators creates problems for those who want to use the water for recreation.
• Don’t remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is a violation of state law to do so. You cannot tame an alligator, and even small ones may bite. Never go near baby alligators or pick them up. They may seem cute and harmless, but mama alligator is nearby, and will protect her clutch.
• Keep alligators a safe distance (at least 30 feet) from you.