Do you know where mosquitos breed? Mosquitoes are well-known for their ability to breed in various environments. Recognizing where these insects choose to lay their eggs is crucial to effectively manage nuisance mosquitoes, as well as reduce the spread of harmful diseases that some can carry. Through continuous surveillance, we can better understand mosquito species and population dynamics, detect insecticide resistance, and intervene by draining or treating water before mosquito larvae complete their life cycle. This information also guides strategies for managing adult mosquitoes, empower ..read more

Exploring the Importance of Mosquito Lab Analysis When the public observes a Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) truck conducting spraying, it may appear routine, or even go unnoticed. However, what many folks don’t realize is the meticulous planning and scientific precision that is calculated for each spray route. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of experts ensures every decision, from location selection to insecticide dosage and spray time, is backed by rigorous research and analysis. “Most people are only familiar with the trucks and may not realize there’s a lot more to mo ..read more

How Professional Mosquito Trapping Works Mosquitoes are more than just pesky insects that cause itchy bites in the summer months – they can also transmit harmful diseases, making them a threat to public health. Professional mosquito trapping is utilized by experts to gain a better understanding of the local adult mosquito population and determine if a potential disease threat exists. Professional mosquito traps serve as important tools to determine the mosquito life stage, species, and population size in a particular area. Once adult and immature mosquitoes are collected, they are sorted, c ..read more

How Data Collection and Testing Help Reduce Mosquito-Borne Diseases Mosquitoes are known to transmit several dangerous diseases that can pose a threat to human health. In the United States, mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and dengue have all caused significant harm to communities nationwide – making the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases crucial for helping keep citizens safe.  Proactively reducing the spread of these diseases starts with effective mosquito surveillance as part of an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) plan. Once ..read more

Exploring the Impact of Mosquito-Borne Diseases In 2023 In recent years, the United States has experienced an increase in the abundance and distribution of mosquito-borne diseases. The expansion of mosquito habitats, fueled by climate change, urban development, and other human-related factors poses considerable risks to public health. The need for increased vigilance and proactive strategies is clear in the 2023 data reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, which indicates a resurgence of locally acquired malaria, a dramatic increase in West Nile virus cases, and sh ..read more

Utilizing An Integrated Management Approach for Effective Control As stewards of public health and wellbeing, government leaders shoulder the responsibility of protecting citizens from health threats posed by mosquitoes as well as ensuring they can enjoy time spent outdoors. These tiny pests can become a major nuisance and certain species transmit dangerous pathogens that can cause diseases such as West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, Eastern equine encephalitis, and dengue. With public health and quality of life on the line, government leaders can make significant strides in safeguarding their c ..read more

What are the life stages of a mosquito? Understanding the developmental processes of mosquitoes is crucial to keeping them under control. While there are thousands of different mosquito species, they all undergo complete metamorphosis. This means they have a lifecycle which includes four distinct growth stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Watch the video below to learn more about the process.  A Deep Dive Into the Mosquito Life Cycle Most female mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, just above the water line, or moist soil in areas that are prone to flooding. Most mosqu ..read more

Emergency Response Mosquito Control Preparation As we look toward 2024, the need for comprehensive emergency response planning has never been more critical. In an era marked by increasingly unpredictable natural disasters, from hurricanes and major flooding events to wildfires, preparedness has become the cornerstone of successful emergency response. For example, after a landfalling hurricane, mosquito populations can skyrocket due to extensive standing water left from flooding and warm temperatures. The planning process can be complex and must be tailored to the unique needs, budget, and l ..read more

Mosquito Control Tips & Educational Resources We know how difficult it can be to manage mosquitoes. Effective mosquito management requires science-backed solutions, data collection, and knowledge from entomologists, biologists, environmental health specialists, and vector management experts. That’s why we produce educational articles to help you understand the fundamentals of mosquito management so that you can make informed decisions regarding your community’s mosquito management program. This year’s educational blogs covered various topics including emergency response planning, unders ..read more

AMCA Launches New Virtual Training on Integrated Mosquito Management Featuring VDCI Experts The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) announced their new virtual training program, “Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management,” featuring two VDCI colleagues: Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D., Director of Technical Services for VDCI and Deborah Bennett, GIS Project Manager. Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D and Chris Fredregill, M.S., serve as instructors for the course, alongside other industry professionals. Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D., says, “This resource highlights VDCI’s commitment to promoting best mana ..read more