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The Ocracoke Mosquito Control Commission (OMCC) works to reduce mosquito populations for the benefit of residents and visitors, helping to lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Community feedback is important to this effort. Please take a moment to complete the evaluation survey below and share your experience with mosquito control on Ocracoke.
CONTACT
CONTACT
Walker Garrish
Vector Control Specialist
garrishservices@gmail.com
(252)-495-0355
Jennifer Garrish
Board Chair
(252)-928-8039
Requests for mosquito control services may be submitted through the OCMM’s service request form linked below.
Mosquito Control on Ocracoke
Mosquito Control on Ocracoke
Mosquito control efforts on Ocracoke follow the principles of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), a science-based approach that reduces mosquito populations while minimizing impacts to people, wildlife, and the environment.
According to the American Mosquito Control Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, IMM includes four key strategies: source reduction (eliminating breeding areas), larval control, adult mosquito control when necessary, and biological control.
Protecting public health is a primary goal of the program. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV), which are the primary concerns for Ocracoke.
In addition to the efforts of OMCC, residents and visitors can reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk), wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved insect repellents as directed (especially on children), maintaining window and door screens, and avoiding areas with high mosquito activity
Property owners can request to have their home or property excluded from adult mosquito spray treatments. Once approved, your property will be marked as a no-spray area during adult mosquito control operations. Please note, this exclusion does not apply to larval mosquito control work, which is part of the Ocracoke Mosquito Control Commission’s ongoing efforts to manage mosquitoes and protect public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who conducts mosquito control on Ocracoke?
Who conducts mosquito control on Ocracoke?
Mosquito control on Ocracoke is managed by the Ocracoke Mosquito Control Commission (OMCC), which oversees monitoring, treatment decisions, and operations to protect public health while minimizing environmental impacts.
What mosquito control methods are used?
What mosquito control methods are used?
The program uses a combination of larval and adult mosquito control methods consistent with Integrated Mosquito Management practices.
Adult mosquito control (adulticiding) uses pyrethroid insecticides (synthetic versions of naturally occurring pyrethrins), sometimes combined with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) to improve effectiveness.
Larval control (larviciding) uses granular and liquid formulations applied to standing water, tidal areas, marsh flats, swales, and drainage features to control mosquitoes before they become flying adults.
When does mosquito control occur?
When does mosquito control occur?
Mosquito control operations typically take place from May through October, when mosquito activity is highest.
Adult mosquito treatments are conducted around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Ultra-low volume (ULV) equipment is used to produce very fine droplets that remain suspended in the air and make contact with flying mosquitoes.
Where are treatments applied?
Where are treatments applied?
The island is divided into treatment zones based on mosquito surveillance data and corresponding streets.
Adult mosquitoes are routinely collected, identified, and counted to determine whether treatment thresholds are met.
Larval treatments are focused on known breeding areas such as swales, ditches, ponds, and low-lying areas throughout the island to reduce mosquitoes at the source.
Why does the OMCC conduct mosquito control?
Why does the OMCC conduct mosquito control?
The Ocracoke Mosquito Control Commission works to reduce mosquito populations to improve quality of life for residents and visitors and to lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, while using environmentally responsible control methods.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
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