About the Mosquito Control Program

The Mosquito Control program is responsible for administering and implementing mosquito control within the State of Maryland. It provides a direct service to approximately 2,100 communities in 16 Maryland counties. Participation in the program is voluntary and requires local government and/or community funding. 

Goal

The primary goal of this program is to prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne disease in humans, pets and livestock. 

Projects & approach

Typical projects undertaken for mosquito control include Public Health arboviral surveillance and testing, mosquito population surveillance activities, source reduction, biological control initiatives, ground and aerial application of insecticides and public education.

Mosquito control is an economic necessity in some parts of Maryland dependent on outdoor tourism during the summer. The program relies on surveys and monitoring of the larval and adult mosquito populations to coordinate control activities. Control techniques include breeding source reduction, public education, biological control and insecticide applications from aircraft or ground equipment.

Integrated Pest Management

Mosquito control in Maryland is conducted according to the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is based on ecological, economic and social criteria and integrates these multidisciplinary methodologies to develop pest management strategies that are practical and effective to protect public health and the environment and improve the quality of life for Maryland residents and visitors. 

An IPM program consists of surveillance for larvae and adult mosquitoes; establishment of action thresholds; and selection of appropriate control strategies, using the best available technology. A practitioner of IPM must be knowledgeable of the biology and ecology of mosquitoes, monitoring techniques and best management practices.

Program history

The Mosquito Control Program has existed since July, 1956 and currently operates under authority of Sections 5-401 through 5-408, Agriculture Article, Maryland Annotated Code. 

In 2011 the department entered into cooperative agreements with 16 counties for mosquito control services and conducted activities in 1,760 communities with a total estimated population of 725,000 residents.