Mosquito Research & Control Unit (MRCU)

11/09/2026

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) will begin island-wide aerial larviciding across Grand Cayman today, Friday, 11 September 2026.

The operation will begin in West Bay and progressively move east across the island. It is expected to take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting. Following the completion of aerial larviciding in Grand Cayman, MRCU will then carry out treatment operations in the Sister Islands.

During the operation, residents will see MRCU’s aircraft flying at low altitude during the daytime and making multiple passes over treatment areas. These repeated passes are necessary to ensure effective and thorough coverage of mosquito breeding areas.

Read more here: https://gov.ky/w/mrcu-launches-aerial-larviciding-operation-across-grand-cayman

02/09/2026

MRCU represented the Cayman Islands at an international symposium in Oman last week, sharing its experience and expertise in mosquito management with vector control professionals, researchers and government representatives from across the Gulf region.

The 2nd Symposium on Mosquito Vector Control Management, held in Salalah on 25 and 26 August, brought together approximately 200 participants to explore emerging challenges, new technologies and strategies for improving mosquito and disease vector control.

Participants included government representatives, researchers and vector control professionals from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen. The symposium provided an important platform for researchers and technical specialists responsible for mosquito control programmes across the region to exchange knowledge, operational experiences and approaches to managing mosquito populations and mosquito-borne disease risks.

Read more here: https://gov.ky/w/mrcu-shares-expertise-at-international-mosquito-control-symposium-in-oman

20/08/2026

World Mosquito Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of just how far Cayman has come.

There was a time when mosquitoes were so overwhelming that residents relied on smoke pans and fires for relief, outdoor activity after sunset was extremely limited, and even livestock had to be protected.

Today, thanks to more than six decades of mosquito research, surveillance and control, life in Cayman looks very different.

That doesn’t mean mosquito numbers will never become uncomfortable. Seasonal rainfall, tides and wetland flooding can still produce major hatches. But Cayman’s long-term success is clear, especially in helping prevent mosquito-borne diseases from becoming continuously established in our community.

On World Mosquito Day, we recognise the generations of MRCU employees whose work has helped protect public health, improve quality of life and support the Cayman Islands we know today.

Read the full World Mosquito Day release to learn more.

05/08/2026

Go behind the scenes withour trap collection and identification team. These dedicated team members explain how they collect mosquitoes from light traps strategically placed across all three islands and how they identify the species in our lab.

You’ll also get a quick look at how mosquito numbers today compare to previous decades — and learn how this essential work helps guide our data-driven control operations.

💡 Learn more about our science-based approach and commitment to keeping mosquito populations as low as possible while protecting public health and the environment.

Ever wondered how we track mosquito populations in the Cayman Islan...

05/08/2026

Extensive mosquito control operations continue as a significant seasonal uptick across several parts of Grand Cayman. Here's more in an interview with Compass TV.

Extensive mosquito control operations continue as The Mosquito Rese...

04/08/2026

Elevated tides have repeatedly pushed water into large areas of low-lying wetland, including locations that may remain dry for extended periods. This creates ideal conditions for large numbers of dormant mosquito eggs to hatch at approximately the same time.

Read more details here:
https://gov.ky/w/mrcu-continues-response-as-seasonal-mosquito-numbers-remain-elevated

04/08/2026

This video previews some of the wetland areas MRCU inspects for mosquito breeding activity.

The higher mosquito numbers we are currently seeing are being driven by high tides, which are above average for this time. As the tides rise and fall through Cayman’s wetlands, they reach areas where black salt marsh mosquito eggs have been lying in damp soil waiting for water to activate them and start the life cycle.

That is why higher than average tides can quickly lead to higher mosquito activity.

Our teams continue carrying out inspections, surveillance and mosquito control operations to help keep numbers down.

PublicEducation

30/07/2026

Today, as we celebrate National Intern Day, we are pleased to recognise Kristina O’Connor, who is spending her summer working with the MRCU laboratory team.

Through her internship, Kristina is gaining valuable hands-on experience and a closer look at the science, research and monitoring that support mosquito control in the Cayman Islands.

Her enthusiasm, willingness to learn and positive attitude make her a welcome addition to the team. We are proud to support young Caymanians as they explore career opportunities, develop new skills and contribute to important public health work.

Thank you, Kristina, for spending your summer with MRCU. We wish you continued success in everything ahead!

23/07/2026

🦟 Learning can be fun!

The MRCU Sister Islands team welcomed around 30 students from the Joint Primary School Summer School Programme for an interactive morning of mosquito science.

Students discovered the mosquito life cycle, learned how Disease Prevention Officers help protect our islands, and found out how simple actions at home, like emptying standing water, can make a big difference.

Fun fact: only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar! 🌸

A big thank you to the students and teachers for spending the day with us. We loved sharing what we do!

STEM

18/07/2026

Taking time to care for your wellbeing is just as important as taking care of the work itself.

MRCU staff took part in a wellness session, setting aside time to decompress, recharge and reconnect before heading home.

Investing in employee wellbeing is an important part of building a healthy workplace. Supporting mental and emotional wellness helps reduce stress, strengthen teamwork and ensures our staff are better equipped to continue serving the Cayman Islands community.

A healthy workplace starts with healthy people, and we’re proud to make wellness a priority.