Abatement and Operations
Our Clark County mosquito crew conducts surveillance and abatement activities through the active mosquito season, usually April 1 through October 15, each year (see Public Notice 2024). The priority is to attack mosquitoes at their source, by treating mosquito larvae as they hatch. It is far more effective to reduce mosquito populations at their source, before they fly into neighborhoods, than to fog large, open areas in an attempt to eliminate adult mosquitoes. It is very difficult to reduce mosquito populations once they have spread from the breeding source. Helicopter applications, for mosquito larval control, may take place during the months of April through September, depending on mosquito breeding habits and/or weather conditions.
Control measures used by the crew comply with policies adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Mosquito Control District and with state and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Biological control methods are used that have the least adverse effect on humans, pets, wildlife, and the environment.
The crew implements an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program and uses a variety of products and equipment to control mosquitoes. Treatment methods in Clark County include larvicide applied by helicopters, broadcast from trucks, all-terrain vehicles, amphibious vehicles, and on foot from backpack applicators. Larvicide briquettes are placed into storm drains and catch basins. Limited treatment is applied to adult mosquitoes due to the limited effectiveness of this method and the short duration of the materials.
