Why IPM for Mosquitoes is More Important Now Than Ever
As global temperatures continue to rise along with the frequency of heavy rainfall events, it is increasingly important to protect ourselves from the threats posed by mosquitoes. More frequent rainfall events can lead to a higher prevalence of mosquitoes (CDC, 2024; UF/IFAS, 2022). Mosquito eggs need water to hatch, and the insect will develop more rapidly at higher temperatures. Elevated temperatures may even accelerate the development of a disease within a mosquito (US EPA, 2025).
Mosquitoes can transmit agents that can cause deadly disease, such as West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and more (CDC, 2024). Their bites can also cause allergic reactions which may be serious (AAAAI, 2025).
Integrated pest management (IPM), or more specifically integrated mosquito management, is a necessary approach for long-term management of pests that combines many different methods to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness. Peer-reviewed research shows that IPM methods reduce mosquito populations when followed correctly (CDC, 2024a). Integrated mosquito management programs include community engagement, mosquito surveillance, arbovirus surveillance (viruses transmitted by arthropods like mosquitoes), mapping data, setting action thresholds, larval source reduction, biological control, application of pesticides (if needed based on data), and monitoring insecticide resistance (AMCA, 2021). These activities are carried out by professionals and may be implemented by local agencies like mosquito control districts or departments of health, but everyone can contribute to mosquito control efforts.
The most effective method used to decrease mosquito populations is larval source reduction, or removing standing water (AMCA, 2021). This can include disposing of containers that can hold water (mosquitoes can lay eggs in small items like bottle caps) and modifying habitats like drainage ditches so that water drains more quickly (CDC, 2024a). At schools, some playground equipment might hold standing water suitable for mosquitoes to lay eggs. For non-trash items, it is beneficial to empty and scrub them weekly. Water storage containers should be tightly covered with a lid or with wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito (CDC, 2024b). Larvicides may be used if the water cannot be removed or covered. Use air conditioning when possible and install or repair window screens.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). (2025, January 10). Take a Bite Out of Mosquito Stings. AAAAI. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/taking-a-bite-out-of-mosquitoes
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). (2021). Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management. American Mosquito Control Association. https://www.mosquito.org/assets/pdf/hr_november_2021_amca_bmp_ma/
CDC. (2024a, April 20). Integrated Mosquito Management. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/php/toolkit/integrated-mosquito-management-1.html
CDC. (2024b, April 16). Mosquito Control at Home. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-at-home.html
CDC. (2024, June 4). About mosquitoes in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquitoes-in-the-united-states.html
UF/IFAS Communications Video Unit. (2022, July 14). More rain events mean more mosquitoes. UF/IFAS Extension. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/2022/07/14/more-rain-events-mean-more-mosquitoes/
US EPA. (2025, June 13). Climate change indicators: West Nile virus. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-west-nile-virus