Support
Vector control programs are established to manage mosquito populations and support healthy and comfortable communities. The “Mosquitoes Ruin the Picture” campaign offers resources and support to mosquito control professionals and public health officials, to help educate the general public about mosquito biology and prevention and keep them informed about the mosquito control activities taking place in their area. With this awareness campaign to aid them, your local mosquito control professionals can focus their efforts on reducing mosquito populations through the use of scientifically based programs that improve the quality of life and create a better community for all.
Mosquito Abatement Districts (MADs)
These organizations coordinate mosquito surveillance and control activities, such as trapping and spraying, and provide public education about reducing local mosquito populations through the elimination of potential breeding sites.
Public Health Officials (PHOs)
These health experts in communities across the U.S. are responsible for identifying and preventing disease outbreaks—including mosquito-borne diseases—and for responding with appropriate measures when outbreaks occur.
Learning
A comprehensive, successful mosquito control program is an ongoing effort. Mosquitoes develop in four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. An Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program is used to control mosquitoes throughout the life cycle.
Larvicides
To prevent future mosquito populations, larvicides are applied directly to water sources to disrupt the life cycle and stunt development.
Ready-to-use products, such as Altosid® PRO-G, are ideal for standing water sites in your backyard. This granular product is designed with a shaker top, making for quick and easy applications to stop mosquito larvae from becoming breeding, biting adults.
Adulticides
To control biting adult mosquitoes, adulticides are used to immediately kill the pests, relieving the community of heavy infestations and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Awareness
Mosquitoes can contract and carry several disease pathogens, such as Zika and West Nile virus, and transmit them to people and pets through their bites.
You and your family—particularly the very young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases—could be at risk from the following mosquito-borne illnesses here in the U.S.:
WEST NILE VIRUS
Only 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile will have any symptoms, such as fever, headache, joint and body aches, vomiting or rash. However, about 1% of those infected will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis, death or other long-term effects.
ZIKA VIRUS
This emerging threat sickens about 20% of those infected. Common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis (red eyes). In pregnant women infected, however, scientists are investigating the connection between Zika and serious birth defects.
Dengue
Symptoms of Dengue can include high fever, serious headache, joint, muscle or eye pain, mild bleeding of gums or nose, or easy bruising. Severe cases can progress to serious bleeding issues, including vomiting blood.
CHIKUNGUNYA
Most people infected with Chikungunya will develop symptoms such as fever and joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. While the disease rarely results in death, symptoms can be severe and disabling.
ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS
Most people infected by SLEV have no symptoms; others may experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Though rare, inflammation of the brain can occur, particularly in older adults, and may result in long-term disability or death.
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEEV)
Most people infected with EEEV do not become ill, but those who do experience sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting; this can progress into disorientation, seizures or coma, with approximately 33% mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors.
Prevention
AND…there are important things you can do to help protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases...
Source Reduction
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. These preventative measures, including eliminating potential breeding sites, are critical to curbing mosquito populations.
- Dispose of any unnecessary containers or debris around your home that can collect water
- Change the water on a weekly basis in receptacles that need it, such as birdbaths or wading pools
- Fill in tree rot holes, hollow stumps and natural land depressions that hold shallow water
- Clean clogged roof gutters