Mosquito Control

Mosquito Control Begins At Home

The tiger mosquito is a very aggressive day-biting mosquito, which has become a serious pest in parts of Maryland.  The City’s mosquito control program cannot adequately control this species due to its habits.  It breeds in containers in peoples’ yards which we cannot treat, and nighttime spray operations are not very effective for the tiger mosquito because it rests in sheltered areas which the spray will not reach. 

Reduce mosquito annoyance in your backyard and in your neighborhood by eliminating sites around the outside of the house that serve as a habitat for mosquito larvae.  All mosquito larvae need standing water to develop.  As little as one-half inch of water in a discarded can or container will support dozens of mosquitoes.

Did you know that:
•    Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of standing water.
•    The flight range for tiger mosquitoes is only 100 yards.
•    The tiger mosquito is very small with white stripes.
•    Adult mosquitoes only live for 1-2 weeks.
•    It takes no longer than two weeks for mosquito eggs to become adults.
•    The only way to successfully beat the tiger mosquito is to eliminate breeding sites in your yard.

Places in YOUR yard that could be breeding the tiger mosquito:
•           Clogged gutters
•           Tire casings
•           Birdbaths
•           Canoes or boats (stored right-side up)
•           Tarps over log piles, equipment, etc.
•           Kiddie pools
•           Wheelbarrows or watering cans
•           Buckets, cans or bottles
•           Trash cans without lids (or lids themselves, if upside down)
•           Pet water dishes

Keep grass short and brush cut back to limit areas where adult mosquitoes can rest.  Stock ornamental ponds with fish that will eat mosquito larvae.  For more information or to report a mosquito problem, please call 301-809-2336 or email csullivan@cityofbowie.org.

Larviciding and Spraying

The City’s 2009 Mosquito Control Program began with spring larviciding in April.  The regular season will begin June 15 and continue into early September.  Work may continue late into September if necessary.

The program consists of larviciding (control of immature stages of the mosquito), public education about the Asian Tiger Mosquito, and adult surveillance with possible spraying on Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

Larviciding involves the treatment of the immature stages (eggs, larvae or pupae) of the mosquitoes in the stagnant water where they occur.  Known breeding areas will be checked every three weeks and will be treated as necessary.

City neighborhoods have been scheduled for adult mosquito surveillance and possible spraying according to the schedule below.  This part of the program will begin the end of June and will continue through the end of September.  Please call the Public Works Department if you have a mosquito problem in your area.

If you need assistance with identifying breeding areas around your home, or to report stagnant water near your property, contact the Public Works Department at 301-809-2336 or csullivan@cityofbowie.org.  More information is also available from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control Office at 301-422-5080 or on the website at www.mda.state.md.us.

Weekly Spraying Schedule

If necessary, spraying for mosquitoes will take place weekly according to the following schedule:

View "Mosquitoes 101" a publication of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.