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Collier Mosquito Control District’s Wide-Ranging Impact On Our Community

by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District
hen thinking about mosquito
control, most probably picture
W the sights and sounds of
an airplane flying overhead or a turbine
attached to a pick-up truck driving down
their street. These methods of mosquito
treatment are vital in protecting the health
and well-being of the residents we serve,
but they also only scratch the surface of
the vast positive impact Collier Mosquito Control District
(CMCD) leaves on our community.
On any given day, CMCD team members can be found in
local classrooms, at community outreach events or giving tours
of our facilities to educate the community on mosquito control
and help empower residents and visitors to protect themselves
and their property.
The Collier Mosquito Control District often brings aircraft like this helicopter
Through a robust education program that teaches the science to community events to help children learn about aviation and mosquito control.
of mosquito control, CMCD is ingrained in Collier County’s
schools’ curriculum. The program brings hands-on labs and In addition to educational activities in the classroom,
activities to the classroom, which allows students to think CMCD reaches thousands of residents and visitors every year at
like scientists while also learning about the unique ecology of various fairs, parades and other outreach events around the area.
their hometown. Students learn about the different species of Opportunities like the annual “Big Bus” event in Immokalee allow
mosquitoes in the community and how to identify them, as well our team to reach underserved areas of Collier County. At these
as how to protect themselves from mosquito bites. events, we can answer questions and provide educational materials.
We also offer free tools like mosquito traps and repellents to help
people protect themselves and their property from these insects.
CMCD also conducts dozens of tours of our facility in Naples
every year. We take guests through our lab, operations center and
hangar so they can get a firsthand look at what a day in the life
of mosquito control is like. During the tour, they can also ask
our scientists and field staff questions to learn more about how
mosquitoes are managed and studied in Collier County. CMCD’s
doors are open to the public, and anyone wishing to learn more
about mosquito control is welcome to email
info@cmcd.org to schedule a tour for themselves or a small group.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world, and the
dangerous diseases they can carry kill up to a million people a year
worldwide. CMCD’s education and outreach efforts are designed
to be informative and help our entire community take proactive
measures to help protect themselves and their loved ones from the
health risks and nuisance of mosquito bites. As a member of the
Left to right: Sara Grant, Scott Hendricks, Derrick Klein and Jesvia Alvarado Southwest Florida community, we view it as central to our mission
from Collier Mosquito Control District hand out educational materials and to participate in these events and educational opportunities to
mosquito traps at the Big Bus Event in Immokalee on November 4, 2023 advance good public health in our community.
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 | February 2024 71