Integrated Mosquito Management

The Moab Mosquito Abatement District manages mosquito populations using the principles of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), the American Mosquito Control Association's standard for mosquito control. IMM utilizes a variety methods to reduce mosquito numbers in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, nontarget organisms, and the environment. This control policy recognizes that mosquito populations cannot always be eliminated but must be suppressed to tolerable levels for the well-being of humans, domestic animals and wildlife.

IMM places an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability. Routinely applying mosquito control measures on a set schedule is no longer an acceptable practice. Instead, the District responds to situations in which there is a demonstrated need based on surveillance data and mapping. Mosquito control methods are then applied in a targeted manner.

The MMAD follows these key strategies:

• Surveillance and mapping of larva and adult mosquito sources
• Physical control through manipulation of mosquito habitat
• Larvae reduction using biological and chemical control
• Monitoring for insecticide efficacy and resistance

Our mosquito abatement program is directed at the larval stages of mosquitoes. This approach allows us to contain our activities to localized areas and to have a lower impact on the environment. Adult mosquitoes may also be controlled, but this should occur on rare occasions and only as a last resort.