Integrated Pest Management in Vector Control

Instead of using only one tool to control pests and vectors, we use the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. IPM’s main goal is long term pest prevention by using a combination of methods at the same time. 

(Integrated Vector Management and Integrated Mosquito Management are other terms that are commonly used for this approach)

IPM is composed of many parts that work together to offer the most effective results.

Biological control 

Biological control is the use of natural enemies to manage pests. For example, we use mosquitofish, a natural predator of mosquito larvae to prevent mosquito breeding in artificial bodies of water like ornamental ponds, unmaintained swimming pools and jacuzzies, water troughs, fountains, and rain barrels. 

Cultural control 

Cultural control is the practice of public education and changing habits. For example, educating the public about areas where they could be breeding mosquitoes around their home and how they can prevent it in the future. They now know what the problem is and how to fix it. Their new knowledge and change in habits will reduce mosquito breeding problems moving forward.

Physical control 

Physical control is the act of controlling pests with physical actions. For example, turning over a bucket and dumping out water eliminates mosquito larva and reduces the number of biting mosquitoes in your neighborhood.

Mechanical control

Mechanical control is the use of machines or traps to remove pests. For example, using traps to kill and remove rodents.

Chemical control 

Chemical control is the use of chemicals, or pesticides, to reduce pests. We use this as a last option and in combination with the other IPM elements. All pesticides we use are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Example of IPM for Mosquitoes

IPM Alternatives	Eggs	Larvae	Pupae	Adults
Public Education, Outreach and Advertising	The public is informed about how to recognize eggs, and about the need to eliminate water.	The public is informed about how to recognize larvae, and about the need to eliminate water.	The public is informed about how to recognize pupae, and about the need to eliminate water.	The greatest impact of public education on adults is achieved by effectively educating about the aquatic larvae, protective clothing and insect repellents.
Physical Control, Vegetation Removal	Modifying or eliminating the water habitat can remove the opportunity to lay eggs	Larvae are subject to the same IPM alternatives as the eggs. Larvae already alive can be reduced or eliminated	Pupae are subject to this alternative in the same way as eggs and larvae.	In some cases, removal or thinning of vegetation can eliminate resting places. The greatest impact of these methods occurs in the water stages.
Biological Control	Mosquitofish will consume egg rafts. Will not tolerate chloramines in water. About 60% of neglected pools are planted with mosquitofish for season-long control	Mosquitofish can consume large numbers of larvae, especially where the larvae are the most abundant food source. They are used most often in isolated water such as swimming pools and backyard ponds. They are not used in natural habitats due to endangered species concerns	Mosquitofish consume pupae just as they do the other stages. Certain nematodes, fungi and bacteria have been used for mosquito control, but their use has been restricted to certain narrowly defined habitat characteristics which do not frequently occur in our County.	Currently there are no effective biological control methods for adults. Research has shown that most predators, such as bats, swallows or dragonflies do not feed exclusively on mosquitoes, nor consume enough mosquitoes to have much of an impact. Genetically modified or sterilized adult releases are currently under development but have not proven effective over large areas.
Pesticidal Control	Thin films break the water surface tension and sink both eggs and adults trying to lay eggs	A) Thin films break the water surface tension and sink both eggs and the adults trying to lay eggs. B) Bacterial pesticides contain special proteins which are toxic to mosquitoes. In recent years, extended release formulations have made this a much more viable alternative for swimming pools C) Thin films interfere with the larval breathing function	A) Subject to thin surface films which break the water surface tension. B) Methoprene interferes with development of adult structures and the pupae die before they can transform into adults.	A) ULV applications of pyrethrins or pyrethroids are currently used to reduce adult numbers of mosquitoes only when WNV positive mosquitoes are detected. B) Infrequently, vegetation or surfaces may be treated with residual pyrethroids to kill adults resting there. C) The District will be testing a new organic (garlic-based) "bait" to be applied to foliage and surfaces.