Why is mosquito control important

The active ingredient, Bti, is a bacterium that only affects the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies, and fungus gnats. During the off season from November through April, Mosquito Control staff is available to provide presentations on mosquito control-related topics to local classes and community groups.

These presentations teach residents what they can do to protect themselves and encourage citizens to be proactive in helping control mosquitoes in their area. Although New Hanover County Vector Control focuses on the control of mosquitoes, staff can also offer advice for controlling rats and mice. For questions or concerns about vectors other than mosquitoes, please contact the organizations below:. Toggle navigation New Hanover County.

New Hanover County All news ». New Hanover County Full county calendar ». Spraying occurs from a Mosquito Control truck like the one pictured here. Sign up for Mosquito Spraying Alerts. Why is spraying necessary and how are spray areas determined? Is mosquito spray harmful to people or pets? Where can I learn more about pesticides and their health effects? Which mosquito repellents work best?

Information for Beekeepers. What happens to the bees when they forage the next day? What can beekeepers do to protect their beehives?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at We are glad to help you protect your bees. Additionally, the local Beekeepers Association can provide information on safe methods for protecting beehives. Additional Resources for Beekeepers. Colony Collapse Disorder Fieldwatch — Supports communication, collaboration, and cooperation between crop growers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators.

Procedures for Spraying. Spray Exclusion Form. Submit a Spray Exclusion Form. Please click here to see any active alerts. Mosquito-borne diseases are among the world's leading causes of illness and death today.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than million clinical cases each year are attributable to mosquito-borne illnesses. Despite great strides over the last 50 years, mosquito-borne illnesses continue to pose significant risks to parts of the population in the United States. Current challenges posed by the emergence of West Nile virus in the Western hemisphere illustrate the importance of cooperation and partnership at all levels of government to protect public health.

CDC, working closely with state and local health departments, monitors the potential sources and outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases and provides advice and consultation on prevention and control of these diseases. CDC works with a network of experts in human and veterinary medicine, entomology, epidemiology, zoology, and ecology to obtain quick and accurate information on emerging trends which they develop into national strategies that reduce the risk of disease transmission.

EPA ensures that state and local mosquito control departments have access to effective mosquito control tools that they can use without posing unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. EPA encourages nonchemical mosquito prevention efforts, such as eliminating standing water that provide breeding sites. The Agency educates the public through outreach efforts to encourage proper use of insect repellents and mosquitocides.

Additionally, EPA's rigorous pesticide review process is designed to ensure that registered mosquitocides used according to label directions and precautions can further reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations. State and local government agencies play a critical role in protecting public health from mosquito-borne diseases.

They serve on the front line, providing information through their outreach programs to the medical and environmental surveillance networks that first identify possible outbreaks. They also manage the mosquito control programs that carry out prevention, public education and vector population management.

The public's role in eliminating potential breeding habitats for mosquitoes -- such as getting rid of any standing water around the home -- is a critical step in reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.

The public is also encouraged to make sure window screens and screen doors are in good repair. When venturing into areas with high mosquito populations, the public should wear personal protection such as long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably treated with a repellent..

People should use mosquito repellents when necessary, and always follow label instructions. Mosquitoes are found throughout the world and many transmit pathogens which may cause disease.

These diseases include mosquito-borne viral encephalitis, dengue, yellow fever, malaria, and filariasis. Most of these diseases have been prominent as endemic or epidemic diseases in the United States in the past, but today, only the insect-borne arboviral encephalitides occur annually and dengue occurs periodically in this country.

The major types of viral encephalitis in the United States include St. Louis, LaCrosse, Eastern equine and Western equine. These viruses are normally infections of birds or small mammals. During such infections, the level of the virus may increase in these infected animals facilitating transmission to humans by mosquitoes. The West Nile virus, which can also cause encephalitis, was found in the northeastern United States for the first time in , is a good example of this mode of transmission.

Human cases of encephalitis range from mild to very severe illnesses that, in a few cases, can be fatal. Dengue is a viral disease transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes. It is usually an acute, nonfatal disease, characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache, backache, joint pains, nausea, and vomiting. While most infections result in a mild illness, some may cause the severe forms of the disease.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever, for example, is characterized by severe rash, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding and circulatory failure resulting in dengue shock syndrome and even death. Dengue is endemic in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Recently, dengue has occurred with increasing frequency in Texas. Other pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes include a protozoan parasite which causes malaria, and Dirofilaria immitis , a parasitic roundworm and the causative agent of dog heartworm.

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