Vector Control Menu

Vector Control Menu

BUILDING CAPACITY IN LOCAL VECTOR CONTROL PROGRAMS

Consider this a guide for building capacity in your local vector control program. You do not need to implement every component at once.  If you’re not sure where to begin, consider starting with one or two activities from each section and add as your program grows.


For more established programs, you may choose to focus on the Additional Program Enhancements section to further strengthen operations. For programs with limited staffing or funding may find the Just Getting Started? and Core Program sections are especially useful as a starting point. 

SECTIONS

jusT GETTING STARTED?

Begin by reaching out to experts in your area who can help inform and advise you.

LABORATORY AND TESTING RESOURCES

Figure out how to access laboratory/testing options and your options for collecting/storing data.

CORE PROGRAM: VECTOR IDENTIFICATION AND COLLECTION TYPES

Vector identification and trap/collection types — the core of every effective vector control program.

REACHING YOUR CONSTITUENTS

After establishing the basics of your program, consider who needs to know about your work, and how you can reach them.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS

Consider a few additional steps to help enhance your program.

ABOUT

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. Most vector control programs focus on these two, with a majority focused exclusively on mosquitoes. 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. Effective vector control strategies included in integrated vector management are: surveillance, education, larviciding (control of immature stages of vectors), adulticiding (control of adult stage of vectors), and insecticide resistance testing.

Local governments may have mosquito control or vector control programs 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. Local health departments or state health departments often support vector control efforts through the monitoring (surveillance) of vector-borne diseases.

While some states and localities have laws, policies, and other legal ways to start/fund local vector control programs, 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.

*As a note, while the term vector control is used, much of the information above only applies to mosquito control