Mosquito Research & Control Unit (MRCU)

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.

16/07/2026

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is advising residents to expect another noticeable increase in mosquito activity across Grand Cayman from the beginning of next week. This will be the second noticeable increase during the current mosquito and rainy season and is consistent with the seasonal conditions typically experienced at this time of year.

The expected increase is being driven by a combination of seasonal tidal flooding and recent rainfall. Higher tides have flooded wetland areas, while rainfall on already saturated ground has created additional standing-water sites in low-lying areas, roadside drains and other locations. MRCU field teams have found mosquito larvae at numerous sites across Grand Cayman and are treating breeding areas based on surveillance data and field inspections.

Read more here:

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is advising residents to expect another noticeable increase in mosquito activity across Grand Cayman from the beginning of next week. This will be the second noticeable increase during the current mosquito and rainy season and is consistent with the seas...

15/07/2026

Think your job is challenging? 😅🦟

This is Research Officer Cole Morgan blood feeding mosquitoes as part of MRCU’s research activities. Yes, that means placing his hand inside a mosquito cage and allowing them to feed.

This important work allows our team to test the effectiveness of the products used to reduce mosquito populations and gather valuable data to support our control efforts.

It also highlights the commitment of our employees and the hands on work they carry out behind the scenes to support mosquito research in the Cayman Islands.

Could you do it? 👀

13/07/2026

What began as a routine mosquito control property inspection became a life changing encounter when Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) Disease Prevention Officer VonDante Leslie recognised that a resident was in need of urgent medical attention and took immediate action to help.

Ms. Viv shares her experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np1PGOK_g7A

You can read the press release here: https://gov.ky/w/mrcu-officer-helps-resident-receive-urgent-care