Mosquito Control

The City of College Park cooperates with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to identify and control mosquito populations. Larviciding treatments are made by MDA personnel to known areas of standing water to control mosquito larva by preventing development into adult mosquitos. MDA spraying to control adult mosquitoes can occur June through September. Wednesday is the designated night when spraying for adult mosquitoes may occur in College Park. MDA doesn’t spray individual properties; they drive on streets with truck mounted equipment to treat neighborhoods that meet established thresholds.

MDA has initiated a new mosquito complaint procedure; go to the following link and provide your information https://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=740Kl54#

Request for Exemption from Adult Mosquito Control Services. Any resident who wishes to have the frontage of their property excluded from adult mosquito control pesticide applications, by truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers must fill out this form annually. Click here for the application. For permanent areas of standing water (ponds, rain barrels, etc.), mosquito "torpedos" can be used to target and control mosquito larvae. Visit Public Works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.to obtain a mosquito torpedo.

Please read over these tips to help rid your community of mosquito breeding sites where water accumulates and remains for several days. 1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely. 2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment. 3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use. 4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers. 5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc. 6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Position the tarp so water drains away. 7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage. 8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week. 9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used. 10. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week. 11. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week. 12. Repair exterior water faucets that drip. 13. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside. 14. Inspect construction areas or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure proper backfilling and grading for positive drainage. 15. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes, and low areas that hold water for mosquito larvae. Mosquito Torpedos are available at Public Works to treat these areas. 16. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions MDA 410-841-5870. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetlands.

Contact the Mosquito Control Section of the Maryland Department of Agriculture for additional assistance and advice. For more information click here to visit their website or call them at 410-841-5870.