Maryland entomologist urges neighborhood cleanup, explains county spray rules

Jean Zastrow, an entomologist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) mosquito control program and head of the Anne Arundel County program, told College Park residents on July 9 that the most effective way to reduce biting mosquitoes is to find and eliminate small breeding sites in and near yards.

Zastrow told members of the city meeting that Maryland has about 60 mosquito species in roughly 10 genera, but “only about 10 of these species are of concern for vectoring disease.” She said the department uses an integrated pest management approach that prioritizes larval controls, targeted biological products and insect growth regulators, and limited adult pesticide applications when disease or population thresholds are met.

Why it matters: Mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis circulate in Maryland; control decisions can affect public health and household use of private pest services. Zastrow said community cleanups and coordinated neighborhood action are especially important for Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, which breeds in tiny amounts of water and is closely associated with human habitations.

Zastrow explained control tools and local rules. Larval products used…