What vector control resources can you look for in your local jurisdiction?

Consider this a “menu” of options for building up capacity in your local vector control program!

Much like a restaurant menu, you don’t have to order everything all at once. If you’re not sure where to start, pick one or two options from each category to begin!

If you already have a well-established program, you can skip down to the drinks and desserts to see what extra activities might enhance your program. And if you’re on a budget, consider skipping straight to the main course.

Courses

• Starters: begin by reaching out to experts in your area who can help inform and advise you.
• Specials: figure out how to access laboratory capacity and determine which type of tests you need to utilize.
• Entrees: trap types and placement —the core of every effective vector control program.
• Drinks: after establishing the basics of your program, consider who needs to know about your work, and how you can reach them.
• Dessert: consider a few additional steps to help enhance your program.

Why is vector control important?

Vector control is the monitoring and mitigation of zoonotic diseases spread by arthropods (aka bugs). Mosquitoes and ticks are the most common disease vectors in the U.S., responsible for spreading West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and many other pathogens and illnesses, and most vector control programs focus on these two, with a majority focused exclusively on mosquitoes. Effective vector control strategies include: monitoring, education, larviciding, adulticiding, and insecticide resistance testing.

Local governments may have mosquito control or vector control divisions dedicated to these activities, or may have pooled resources within a county to create a special district for the specific purpose of mosquito control, known as a mosquito control district. A common mission for many mosquito and vector control programs is to protect human health and well-being through a means of integrated vector management.

There are no nationwide mandates to make sure that a vector control program is in place. Many programs are quickly established or resurrected as a result of a zoonotic outbreak in absence of a standing program. However, being proactive rather than reactive can help prevent outbreaks in the first place, or make sure resources, infrastructure, and expertise are readily available to respond to outbreaks quickly. 

Effective vector control programs are an essential part of public health.