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Data Driven Results: How CMCD Makes Treatment Decisions

by Jonathon Little, MBA
Director of External Affairs
he Collier Mosquito Control District (the District) treatment decisions. Field technicians have specialized dipper
tracks mosquitoes in many ways. Some methods cups to check standing water. For areas with dense woods and
T are high-tech, such as drones, while other methods swamplands, drones can check for the presence of water. These
like landing rate counts and mosquito traps have been tried techniques ensure that treatment materials are being used where
and true for decades. The District employs a team of field they can most effectively prevent mosquitoes from developing
technicians who conduct mosquito inspections daily. into adults.
To perform a landing rate count, a field technician will While field technicians have assigned zones where they
stand outside for an allotted amount of time and count perform data collection, residents who have mosquito problems
how many mosquitoes land on them. Yes, it is as simple as at their homes can request a field technician visit on our website
it sounds but it provides our operations team with valuable at https://cmcd.org/report-mosquitoes/. Oftentimes, residents
information about the mosquito situation and their biting call requesting treatment because they are experiencing a lot
activity in our community. of mosquitoes in their yard when they are breeding their own
Mosquito traps add another layer of information by helping problem. Field technicians can identify potential breeding sites
us measure mosquito populations and identify which species and educate homeowners how to prevent mosquitoes from taking
are most abundant in different areas. Since each mosquito up residence on their property.
species has its own habitat and responds differently to In addition to home inspections, field technicians can also
treatments, this data is critical for choosing the right control collect data from around your neighborhood. If they find a more
method. In addition, we use the trapped mosquitoes to widespread issue that isn’t the result of localized breeding on
monitor mosquito-borne diseases, giving us an early warning a couple of properties, this data can then be used to schedule a
system to protect public health. mosquito treatment.
There is a misconception that the District treats As mentioned previously, there is no set schedule for mosquito
mosquitoes indiscriminately or at random. This couldn’t be control treatments. However, residents can sign up for text,
further from the truth! In fact, the Florida Department of phone or email notifications on our website at https://cmcd.org/
Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates treatment-notifications/ and search for treats by date and location
mosquito control, and we must show a need for every at www.cmcd.org/map. These are great resources to stay up to
treatment we perform. Treatments are not done on a set date on our treatment activities.
schedule, but only when field data shows excessive levels of Data driven treatments are key to the District’s operations. It
mosquitoes and the need for treatment. ensures that we are treating where mosquitoes are to help get the
That’s why all the information we collect through traps, most effective results while responsibly using the resources we
landing rate counts, inspections and disease monitoring is have available. This approach, combined with ultra-low volume
so important. It helps us determine not only if a treatment is treatments also helps us limit the risk to the environment and
needed, but also what is the best method. With more than non-target species.
50 different mosquito species in Collier County, each with So, the next time you hear a mosquito airplane or helicopter
its own habitat and level of susceptibility to control measures, in your neighborhood, that means earlier that week there were
there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, we target boots on the ground collecting data and verifying the need for
the right species with the right method at the right time. By treatment.
using this science-based approach, we ensure treatments are as Anyone who would like to learn more about mosquito control
effective, efficient and environmentally responsible as possible. operations and would like a tour of the lab and other facilities can
As part of the District’s integrated pest management plan, request a tour by emailing us at info@cmcd.org
we also treat extensively for mosquito larvae. Like with adult The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the
mosquitoes, we use field data and inspections to make these health and well-being of our residents through the safest and most
economical means available.

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 | November 2025 71