These human biting species are the main concern for our control efforts as they may also transmit disease. The IPM approach to mosquito control concentrates on the stopping the mosquito at the larval stage. Larval mosquito breeding sites can be readily identified and are relatively small in area. By contrast, the adults can fly many miles and cause problems over wide area. Water management exploits the fact that the larvae are vulnerable to removal of the water they need to survive.
Biological control uses fish and other predators to eat the larvae.
Water management and biological control are combined in open marsh water management . Larval control targets mosquito larvae using highly specific materials, such as bacterial pesticides and insect growth regulators. Larval control materials have little impact on non-target species and do not impact groundwater. These materials are extremely safe for the applicator. Treating the breeding area does not involve exposure of the general public, since the material is applied to the water in swamps, marshes and other non-residential areas.