Our surveillance program is the backbone of our IMM program, and all our control decisions are informed by our surveillance results. NOMTRCB conducts year-round adult and larval mosquito surveillance to monitor species distribution, population trends, and potential disease risks across the parish. Adult mosquitoes are tested in our laboratory for local mosquito-borne diseases of concern. Click here to learn more about our adult surveillance and larval surveillance programs.
NOMTRCB utilizes insecticides as one of many tools to protect public health. NOMTRCB staff conduct both spot treatments and area-wide treatments to target the larval, pupal, and adult stages of mosquitoes. Use of insecticides is targeted, data driven, and only used when necessary. All insecticides used by NOMTRCB are EPA-registered products that have minimal risk to non-target species. You can click here to learn more about the insecticide products used for mosquito control, and here to learn more about our area-wide abatement program.
Biological control agents are another tool we use to help naturally reduce mosquito populations. The biological agents used by NOMTRCB target the larval stages of mosquitoes, preventing them from becoming biting adults, and are oftentimes longer lasting than chemical treatments. Click here to learn more about our biological control agents and our free program for Orleans Parish residents.
Source reduction is a core component of our integrated mosquito management program. By eliminating mosquito larval habitats, we can resolve issues permanently and reduce the need for chemical treatments. Source reduction should always be done prior to any insecticide treatment. NOMTRCB performs source reduction throughout the parish, often during yard inspections conducted in response to citizen service requests or removal of illegally dumped waste tires.
Everyone can help reduce mosquitoes and protect public health by taking a few simple actions: remove standing water from your yard, use insect repellent when outdoors, and ensure window and door screens are in good condition. For more practical advice on reducing mosquitoes at home and tips for staying safe outdoors, visit our Tips of Home and Personal Protection page for practical steps you can take right now.
Resistance testing is an essential part of mosquito control, helping us ensure that our insecticides remain effective against multiple life stages of mosquitoes. Through a variety of tests, we verify that both larvicides and adulticides maintain their potency and protect public health. Overuse of insecticides can result in mosquitoes developing resistance, limiting our available options in future mosquito management efforts and making control more challenging.
By routinely monitoring resistance, NOMTRCB stays informed and adapts our strategies to keep our tools effective. This proactive approach helps us safeguard both the environment and the community.