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MDA begins routine mosquito control activities

Seasonal mosquito control activities will begin by the end of May

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As mosquito season gets underway, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be active in communities throughout the state conducting surveillance and control measures to manage mosquito populations. Seasonal mosquito control activities will begin by the end of May in participating counties and communities. (photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, creative commons/flickr.com)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — As mosquito season gets underway, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be active in communities throughout the state conducting surveillance and control measures to manage mosquito populations. Seasonal mosquito control activities will begin by the end of May in participating counties and communities.

“Mosquito-borne disease is a major public health concern, and we remain vigilant in our efforts to fight these diseases in Maryland,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “I encourage all Marylanders to do their part by eliminating potential mosquito breeding zones on their property.”

Mosquito season typically runs from late May to early October. During this time, MDA’s Mosquito Control Program will conduct a variety of routine activities, including larviciding; arboviral surveillance and testing; mosquito population surveillance activities; source reduction; biological control initiatives; ground and aerial application of insecticides; and public education.

The program will also resume its routine truck-based ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging program in participating communities. Participating communities are listed on the program’s website.

In addition to routine activities, the mosquito control program works closely with the Maryland Department of Health and local health departments in response to any concern of mosquito-borne illness. Once health officials determine a need for response, mosquito control personnel will survey the affected area to eliminate potential breeding zones and determine if there is a need for further treatment. In certain cases, the state may determine a need for unscheduled truck-based ULV fogging in response to a public health concern. In the event of an unscheduled spray, the department will issue a public notice.

For more information on the department’s Mosquito Control Program, please visit the program’s website or call 410-841-5870.

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–Megan Guilfoyle,  Maryland Department of Agriculture

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