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Continuing Education Paves Way for Successful and
Innovative Mosquito Control Programs

by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District

hat kind of education does
one need to work in mosquito
W control? The answer,
common in this day and age, is that it
depends. The Collier Mosquito Control
District (CMCD) employs entomologists,
biologists, public health experts, pilots,
technicians and more. From high school
graduate to terminal degree, our team is composed of people
with a wide range of skill sets. Formal education, however, is
just the beginning.
The complex nature of mosquito biology, disease, and
public health, along with its heavily regulated products and
methodologies, necessitates significant continuing education
for our employees. These efforts not only keep CMCD in
compliance with state requirements but also prepare our team Association. Beginning in 1984, the Dodd courses feature about
to protect our community safely and efficiently from the threats 30 topics to enhance Florida’s mosquito control professionals.
posed by mosquitoes. They also provide the opportunity for mosquito control directors
Florida requires those who work in mosquito control and elected commissioners to collaborate
operations to maintain a Public Health Pest Control license in-person and receive comprehensive training to better serve
pesticide application certification. On January 15 and 16, the their respective communities.
District hosted in-service days featuring a series of hands-on While not all control techniques are right for all areas of the
courses to meet the yearly training requirements for these state, these trainings allow mosquito control leaders to share and
license holders. The courses covered a wide range of topics from bring innovations back to their home districts and counties for
an overview of integrated mosquito management programs to potential implementation. Importantly, the continuing education
advanced techniques for surveillance and recordkeeping. that goes on behind the scenes empowers the District to make
The science behind mosquito control is rapidly evolving. sound treatment decisions and ensure our resources are providing
The District’s in-service days allowed us to provide enhanced efficient and effective treatments.
training beyond those required by the state. For example, one And that all begins with education and the continual drive
of the courses provided detailed education on recognizing and to innovate our integrated pest management plan.
distinguishing between local mosquito species in the field. Anyone who would like to learn more about mosquito control
This is extremely important as there is no one-size-fits-all for operations and would like a tour of the lab and other facilities,
mosquito control, and the treatment techniques we use vary by can request a tour by emailing us at info@cmcd.org
species. To learn more about the District’s SIT program,
In addition to the District’s in-house training, employees visit our website at https://cmcd.org/science/sit/
also spent the last week of January in Gainesville for the annual
Dodd Short courses hosted by the Florida Mosquito Control

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.
To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.
The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available.
If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.

Life in Naples | March 2025 71