The Merced County Mosquito Abatement District uses Integrated Vector Management (IVM) to protect public health and reduce mosquito populations in an effective, environmentally responsible way. IVM is a science-based approach that combines education, prevention, surveillance, and control to minimize mosquito-borne disease risk while using the least amount of pesticide necessary.

Public Education & Outreach

Education is the cornerstone of successful mosquito control. An informed community plays a critical role in reducing mosquito breeding and protecting public health.

Our education efforts include:

• Community presentations and outreach events
• School-based education programs
• Informational materials such as brochures, flyers, and signage
• Social media updates and seasonal mosquito alerts
• Online resources to help residents identify mosquitoes and their sources

Key topics we share:

• The mosquito life cycle and where mosquitoes reproduce
• Information on mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus
• Steps residents can take to reduce mosquitoes around their homes
• How to properly use insect repellent and protective clothing

Our goal is to empower residents with the knowledge needed to reduce mosquito sources and stay safe.

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Source Reduction & Prevention

Source reduction—eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs—is the most effective and environmentally friendly method of mosquito control.

How the District Helps:

• District technicians perform property inspections at the request of homeowners to help identify and eliminate mosquito sources
• Provide on-site education and prevention recommendations
• Assist residents with long-term solutions to prevent recurring mosquito problems

Preventing mosquitoes before they hatch reduces the need for additional control measures later in the season.

What Residents Can Do:

Mosquitoes can develop in as little as a few days in standing water. Simple actions make a big difference:

• Dump and drain standing water from buckets, toys, plant saucers, and wheelbarrows
• Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week
• Clean clogged rain gutters
• Cover or properly maintain yard drains
• Maintain swimming pools and ornamental ponds

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Mosquito Surveillance

Surveillance allows the District to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Our surveillance program includes:

• Routine mosquito trapping throughout Merced County
• Identification of mosquito species present
• Monitoring mosquito population levels and seasonal trends
• Testing mosquitoes for diseases such as West Nile virus

Surveillance data helps determine when and where control is necessary, ensuring resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

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Mosquito Control

When surveillance indicates a public health risk, the District uses targeted control methods as part of the IVM program.

Biological Control

• Use of naturally occurring mosquito predators, such as mosquito-eating fish, in appropriate water sources
• Application of biological larvicides that specifically target mosquito larvae

Larval Control

• Treating standing water sources where mosquitoes develop
• Focused on stopping mosquitoes before they become flying adults

Adult Mosquito Control (When Necessary)

• Implemented only when mosquito populations or disease risk exceed established thresholds
• Conducted by trained and licensed technicians

All pesticides used by the District are public health pesticides that are registered and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. These products are carefully selected and applied according to label directions to ensure they are effective while protecting people, pets, wildlife, and the environment.

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Working Together for a Healthier Community

Integrated Vector Management is most effective when the District and the community work together. By staying informed, eliminating standing water, allowing inspections when needed, and supporting responsible control efforts, residents help reduce mosquito populations and protect public health throughout Merced County.