Mosquito Control

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), through the Mosquito Control Program, performs all mosquito control activities in the state. The Town of Bel Air participates in the Mosquito Control Program, which begins in mid-June and continues into early September.  The State Mosquito Control staff conducts adult mosquito surveillance and, if certain state-mandated thresholds are met, conduct spraying operations.  If deemed necessary, spraying in the Town occurs between dusk and 10:30PM on Tuesdays or Thursdays.  Spraying will only be conducted when weather conditions are favorable, wind speeds less than 10 MPH, air temperature is 56-85 degrees F and no precipitation.  For a complete description of the program click here Mosquito Control.
    
To report a problem area in your neighborhood, please call the Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5870. Please be prepared to provide the following when you call: 

• Your address
• Time of day when mosquitoes are the worst
• Any area of stagnant water in the vicinity 

You may request an exemption from adult mosquito control services by completing this application Exemption Form

http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/Exemption%202018.pdf
  
For information on the insecticides used including product labels and Material Data Safety Sheets click here Labels and Data Sheets.

Tips to Rid Your Community of Mosquito Breeding Sites

 

• Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
• Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
• Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
• Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
• Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
• Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
• Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
• Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
• Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
• Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
• Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
• Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
• Fix dripping outside water faucets.
• Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
• Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
• Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the Central MD Mosquito Control Office (301-927-8357) if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.