Effective mosquito control isn't about using the most chemicals — it's about using the right methods at the right time. Every decision is guided by surveillance data and designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing public health protection.
Physical Source Reduction
The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate their breeding sites. Source reduction means removing or modifying places where mosquitoes lay eggs — and it can virtually eliminate the need for pesticides in affected areas.
Source reduction can be simple or complex:
- Simple: Remove old tires, buckets, or containers that collect water
- Complex: Maintain drainage ditches in salt marshes using tide control structures
Between September and January, our team maintains marsh drainage ditches primarily by hand — an approach that's effective, economical, and environmentally sound.
Biological Control Measures
We use nature to fight mosquitoes—specifically, organisms that prey on mosquito larvae or make them sick.
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Western mosquitofish are natural mosquito predators ideal for long-term larval control. They:
- Feed at the water's surface where larvae live
- Tolerate different temperatures and water conditions
- Work well in ornamental ponds, water troughs, fountains, and unmaintained pools
Important: Mosquitofish are NOT native to Utah. They can only be placed in ornamental ponds that do not connect to natural waterways and cannot be placed in the 100-year floodplain. Placing them in rivers, lakes, or other natural water bodies is illegal and can harm native ecosystems through competition, predation, or the introduction of pathogens.
Learn more at Utah Division of Wildlife's Don't Ditch a Fish campaign.
If you have an ornamental pond, contact us [NEED] to request mosquitofish — a trained technician will deliver and stock them for you.
Beneficial Bacteria
Three naturally occurring soil bacteria target mosquito larvae without harming other aquatic life:
- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti): Produces proteins toxic to mosquito larvae.
- Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls): Produces proteins toxic to most larvae; can reproduce in natural settings after release.
- Saccharopolyspora spinosa (Spinosid): Produces spinosyns — effective against all larval mosquitoes
All three are commercially produced, highly specific to mosquitoes, and safe for people, pets, and the environment.
Chemical Control
When surveillance data indicates chemical control is necessary, we use only EPA-registered products applied at rates far below agricultural use. Our priority is protecting public health while minimizing environmental impact.
Larvicides: Stopping Mosquitoes Before They Fly
Controlling larvae before they become biting adults is the safest, most effective approach. We use three types of products, chosen for their targeted action and environmental safety:
Growth Regulators (Methoprene)
- Mimics a hormone naturally found in insects—doesn't affect people, pets, or wildlife
- Prevents mosquitoes from maturing into adults
- Mosquitoes die before they can fly or bite
- Species-specific: only affects mosquitoes and closely related insects
Surface Films
- Refined mineral oils or monomolecular films—physical barriers, not chemical poisons
- Prevent larvae and pupae from breathing at the water's surface
- The only products effective against late-stage larvae and pupae
- Break down naturally within hours to days
Beneficial Bacteria (Biorationals) See our Biological Control section above—these naturally occurring organisms are highly specific to mosquitoes and don't harm other aquatic life.
Adulticides: When Adult Control Is Necessary
When surveillance shows elevated mosquito activity or disease risk, we use ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying — the most precise adult control method available.
Why ULV Is the Safest Approach:
- Minimal product use: Only ½ to 1 ounce per acre (compare this to agricultural spraying, which uses pounds per acre)
- Targeted application: Fine droplets are broadcast as a fog, reaching mosquitoes where they're active
- Effective range: Up to 300 feet from ground equipment, farther from aircraft
- Short-lived exposure: Products break down quickly in sunlight and air
What We Use:
- Pyrethrins: Natural insecticides extracted from chrysanthemum flowers
- Degrade within 4-6 hours after application
- Low toxicity to mammals and birds
- Used for decades in mosquito control worldwide
- Pyrethroids: Synthetic versions of natural pyrethrins
- Similar safety profile to natural pyrethrins
- Break down quickly in the environment
- Effective at extremely low concentrations
Our Commitment
Every product we use is EPA-registered, extensively tested for safety, and applied at approved rates. We apply chemicals only when and where surveillance data indicates they're needed—never as a blanket treatment.
