Mosquito Control Methods

There are steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations without using pesticides. Here are some tips to consider when trying to avoid mosquito bites:

• Empty water from containers such as flower pots, birdbaths, pet water dishes, cans, gutters, tires and buckets regularly to disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle.
• Keep windows and door screens in good working order to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors, consider staying indoors early in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
• Maintain your swimming pool to prevent mosquito breeding, and report abandoned pools to your local health department.
• Use mosquito netting over infants carriers when infants are outdoors.
• Consider using an insect repellent, be sure to follow the label directions for applying the repellent.

Pesticides can also be used to help control mosquitoes. Some products are designed to be applied directly to water to control mosquito larvae, while others are used more broadly to control adult mosquitoes. Some communities provide mosquito control as a service to the public and may apply pesticides by trucks or planes. Visit the links below to get more information about how to control mosquitoes.

Eliminating Mosquitoes in Your Environment

• Methods of Mosquito Control - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Mosquitoes - University of California Extension Service
• Repellent Wars - University of Florida Extension Service
• Mosquito Control Devices and Services for Florida Homeowners - University of Florida Extension Service
• Carbon Dioxide Mosquito Traps No Magic Bullet - University of Florida News
• Pesticides Used In Mosquito Control - NPIC
• Mosquito Control Districts - American Mosquito Control Association

Automatic Misting Systems

• Outdoor Residential Misting Systems - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fact Sheet
• Position Statement on Mosquito Misting Systems - American Mosquito Control Association

Ultrasonic Mosquito Devices

• Do Ultrasonic devices work? - American Mosquito Control Association
• Integrated Mosquito Management: Sonic and Electronic Devices - University of Wisconsin
• Mosquito Pest Management Bulletin 641: Repelling Devices and Plants - Ohio State University Extension

Community Mosquito Control Efforts

To find out whether or not your community sprays for mosquitoes, try contacting your local health department or mosquito control district.

Fogging and Aerial Applications

• Pesticides Used In Mosquito Control - NPIC
• Adult Mosquito Control Programs, Final Environmental Impact Statement - New York City Department of Health
• What Should I Do During Mosquito Spraying? - NPIC, Common Pesticide Questions
• Pesticides and Public Health: Integrated Methods of Mosquito Management - Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• A Human-Health Risk Assessment for West Nile Virus and Insecticides Used in Mosquito Management - Environmental Health Perspectives 114:3, 2006
• Toxicologic Information about Insecticides used for Eradicating Mosquitoes - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Mosquito Control and Exposure to Pesticides, Virginia and North Caroline, 2003 - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Questions About Pesticide Exposure - Extension Toxicology Network

Resources for Community Mosquito Control/Vector Control

• Mosquito Control Districts - American Mosquito Control Association
• Joint Statement on Mosquito Control in the United States from the EPA and the CDC - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Methods of Mosquito Control - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• American Mosquito Control Association
• WNV and Mosquito Information - New York and New Jersey - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Pesticides Used In Mosquito Control - NPIC

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