Key points
- Quick action can help stop infected mosquitoes from spreading germs to people during an outbreak.
- People and communities can work together to reduce numbers of mosquitoes during an outbreak.
- Local government and mosquito control districts direct large-scale mosquito control activities.
- People can protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Why it's important
When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading a virus to people, acting quickly can
- Stop further spread
- Prevent more people from getting sick
By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop an outbreak.
Everyone can control mosquitoes
Local government departments and mosquito control districts take the lead for large-scale mosquito control activities to immediately kill infected adult mosquitoes. You can also take steps to help protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Control mosquitoes at home
Take steps to control nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes that can spread germs and make people sick.
During an outbreak
| Mosquito Control Activity | Why Activity is Important | What Local Government Departments or Mosquito Control Districts Do | What You and Pest Control Professionals Can Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use a product that kills adult mosquitoes. | Adulticides are the only way to immediately kill infected adult mosquitoes and stop the spread of viruses. | Depending on the size of the area, use backpack sprayers, trucks, or airplanes to apply adulticides. | Apply adulticides according to label instructions to kill mosquitoes inside and outside homes. |
| Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and eggs from hatching. | Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near water. Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in about a week. |
|
Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw away items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, and trash containers. |
| Use larvicides to stop mosquito larvae from becoming adults. | Larvicides kill mosquito larvae present in water. Killing larvae reduces numbers of adult mosquitoes that could become infected and spread germs. |
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Resources
Fact sheet
Mosquito Control During an Outbreak
Publications
- AMCA. 2022. Mosquito Management During a Public Health Emergency. American Mosquito Control Association. Sacramento, CA.
- Mosquito Control and Natural Disasters, J Amer Mosq Control Assoc. 2020;36(2s).
- Lehman JA, Hinckley AF, Kniss KL, Nasci RS, Smith TL, Campbell GL, et al. Effect of Hurricane Katrina on arboviral disease transmission [letter to editor]. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007;13(8):1273-75.
- Nasci RS, Moore CG. Vector-borne disease surveillance and natural disasters [commentary]. Emerg Infect Dis. 1998;4(2):333-34.