Mosquito Management
An Integrated Approach

The Wetland Habitat and Mosquito Management (WHAMM) Program of the DEEP's Wildlife Division uses an integrated approach to manage mosquitoes that includes larval (immature) and adult mosquito population monitoring, public education, and cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Similar components are used in other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, the mosquito control profession has been practicing IPM concepts for over 100 years and has refined these practices to be specific to controlling mosquitoes. The American Mosquito Control Association and others recognize this specialized strategy as Integrated Mosquito Management or IMM.

Public education which promotes eliminating sources of mosquitoes around the home and minimizing exposure to mosquito bites by taking protective measures is critical to managing mosquitoes. Control measures can be initiated when immature (larval) mosquito levels reach certain threshold limits. Additional steps can be taken to reduce adult mosquito populations when viruses like Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile virus (WNV) are detected in mosquitoes. If warranted, biological or chemical insecticides can be strategically applied by ground or aerial application equipment to control larvae or adults. Long-term control using water management, particularly in tidal wetlands, can be used for managing mosquitoes and further integrated into enhancing and restoring degraded wetland habitats.

Mosquito Control Around the Home

Managing Mosquitoes Using Insecticides

Mosquito Control Using Water Management

Content last updated March 27, 2019.