How to Have a Strong Mosquito Control Program

According to The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), the best defense against mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), is having a strong local mosquito control program. With various control measures and tools in place throughout the year, the prevalence of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases can be decreased.

Early-Season Control Measures

This is the time to begin monitoring larval populations as the warmer temperatures and rain in the spring often create the ideal breeding combinations for mosquitoes. Mosquito control programs often find success using larvicides to suppress mosquito populations during this time. Additionally, public education efforts can begin ramping up during this time. Coordinating media coverage with local media outlets can increase the community’s awareness of mosquito-borne diseases, and what they can do to prevent populations in and around their homes.

Mid- and Late-Season Control Measures

By mid-to-late season, combating disease vectors and mosquito population spikes with a high efficacy, reduced-risk adulticide provides quick, permanent control and immediate relief against nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes. The most successful mosquito control programs use adulticides in conjunction with larvicides.

Pre- or Off-Season Control Measures

Many activities of a successful mosquito control program will normally be carried out in the “off season” when mosquitoes are not a problem. These activities include staff training and certification; equipment purchase, repair and calibration; budgeting and other financial activities; and analysis of the previous year’s data. In some areas, source reduction measures can also be done at this time.

With the public health at the heart of everything mosquito control professionals do, it is important, especially now, to have a strong mosquito control program that combats mosquitoes throughout the year.

Mosquito Control Made to Last

At Central Life Sciences, insect growth regulators have always played a key role in our highly successful and proven line of mosquito management products. Our founders discovered the molecule (S)-methoprene, the original IGR, and our commitment to innovation and environmental compatibility has never wavered. Mosquito abatement districts can turn to products from Central Life Sciences each season to control mosquito larvae populations before they become breeding, biting adults.