Vector Control
NACCHO supports local health departments in protecting their communities from the bacterial and viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, and other emerging vectors. Through development of new tools and resources, research, policy statements, Stories from the Field, and more, NACCHO helps local health departments and local vector control programs increase their capacity to address existing and emerging issues related to vector control and integrated pest management.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Weekly ER visits for tick bites are already higher than expected so it is important we all take steps to protect public health.
Health departments can download two new Lyme Disease prevention graphics at the links below.
Sample public health message:
Remind your family, friends, colleagues, and followers that preventing tick bites is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases. Ticks can bite all year long, though they are most active in warmer months. A few minutes of prevention can make a difference:
☑️Use EPA-registered insect repellents
☑️Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin
☑️Wear long sleeves and pants
☑️Avoid wooded and brushy areas where ticks live
☑️Shower soon after being outdoors
☑️Check for ticks, remove ticks promptly, and seek care if symptoms develop
And if you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible: www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite. Removing attached ticks within 24 hours can help prevent Lyme disease
Through the Vector Control Collaborative (VCC), NACCHO is establishing a growing network of local vector control organizations that can share resources, experiences, and lessons learned with other local vector control programs. Since launching the VCC in 2018, NACCHO has awarded over $352,000 to 40 programs across 13 states.
Local vector control programs that are interested in learning more about the Vector Control Collaborative and other technical assistance opportunities should send an email to [email protected].
NACCHO, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), administered the fourth nationwide assessment of local vector control organizations in the United States in January 2026 to inform CDC funding of state and local vector control programs, and to determine how NACCHO can best provide targeted guidance and training opportunities for local agencies. Please note that the 2026 survey is now closed.
Past Assessments:
Mosquito Control Capabilities in the U.S. (2017): First national baseline assessment of mosquito control capabilities at the local level in the United States.
Vector Control at the Local Level: Findings from the 2020 Vector Control Assessment (2020): The 2020 assessment showed local mosquito control capabilities are improving, but many programs still experience barriers to addressing ticks.
Vector Control Capability at the Local Level: Findings from the 2023 National Assessment (2023): Mosquito control capacity was reported to be slightly lower in 2023 than in 2020. Reported tick monitoring activities increased slightly since the last national assessment, mostly driven by an increase in community outreach around tickborne disease prevention.
Other Assessments:
The Role of Local Environmental Health Departments in Tick-Related Activities and Services (2019): Key informant interviews of local environmental health (EH) professionals represented a novel contribution to the knowledge base on how local EH professionals are conducting tick control activities across the country. This effort provided valuable information on the strategies, challenges, and needs related to tick monitoring and control activities present in local EH departments.
Theme: Managing Mosquitoes in Disaster Situations: Best Practices and Partnerships
NACCHO's Toolbox is a free, online collection of public health tools that have been created and shared by members of the public health community. The Toolbox includes a Vector Control Toolkit to connect LHDs with effective vector control initiatives. Visit the Toolbox and select "Vector Control Toolkit" from the Toolkits dropdown.
Submit a Tool: Share your own tools for other vector control programs to use and adapt. Visit the Toolbox and click "Submit a Tool" at the top of the page.
Stories from the Field promote vector control capacity work conducted by LHD staff in their own communities, providing best practices and lessons learned that can be emulated by other LHDs.
Tell your story today! Email [email protected] for more information. To see past stories from LHDs, click here.
NACCHO’s Vector Control Workgroup, comprised of representatives from local vector control organizations as well as subject matter experts, provides leadership and guidance to NACCHO, local health departments, and partner organizations regarding vector control plans; identifying challenges, resources used, and resources needed related to vector control at the local level; sharing public information communications tools and resources related to vector control with other state and local health officials; and informing, reviewing, and commenting on NACCHO-developed technical assistance programs focused on improving vector control capabilities at the local level.
For more information on NACCHO's Vector Control working group, please contact [email protected].
Tickborne Diseases, April 2019: NACCHO hosted a webinar covering major updates on tickborne diseases in the United States. Webinar recording | Webinar slides
Mosquito Monitoring: Trapping and Biology, June 2018: NACCHO hosted a webinar with Florida’s Lee County Mosquito Control District based on one of the most popular technical training sessions from a past Vector Control Summit. Watch the recording.
Using Mosquito Monitoring to Make Decisions about Control Methods, August 2018: NACCHO hosted a Q&A-based webinar to provide technical assistance in the most pressing areas of vector control. View the recording.
Click here to access NACCHO's policy statements on mosquito control and vector-borne diseases.
Not sure where to start? Looking for advice on your vector control programs? Email [email protected].