Mosquito Control activity is underway for 2026

SAINT PAUL – People in bright yellow safety vests with “Public Health Mosquito Control” written on them may be coming to your area! Seasonal staff at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District have begun working throughout the seven-county metro area to reduce the overall number of mosquitoes and protect people from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Based on weather forecasts and other data, MMCD predicts that 2026 will be an average year with a high number of cattail mosquitoes emerging in early July. Field mosquito technicians will be working in coordination with the entomology lab to determine which areas are the “hot spots” for mosquito activity.

Each year the start of the mosquito season depends on snowmelt, rain, air temperatures, and several other factors. This year, seasonal field staff begin working in April 13th, and residents of the seven-county metro area may notice green or white trucks with the MMCD logo or staff on bikes or on foot wearing brightly colored “Public Health Mosquito Control” vests. Helicopter treatments are likely to begin the week of April 20th.

At times MMCD employees may need to cross private property to access and check areas for mosquito larvae. If you have questions about mosquito control activities or concerns about an employee, please call the MMCD front desk at (651) 645-9149 or visit MMCD.org.

Some of the activities that MMCD may be doing in your community include:

● Wetland surveillance - determining if ponds or swamps have mosquito larvae present.

● Catch basin surveillance - pulling off grates and inspecting neighborhood catch basins to determine if mosquito larvae are present.

● Ground larval treatments - applying control materials to a wetland, structure, or catch basin by hand or with a backpack.

● Helicopter larval treatments - applying control materials to a wetland via helicopter.

● UAS/drone larval treatments – applying control materials via drone.

● Setting or collecting traps - surveillance helps MMCD determine where and what types of mosquitoes are active.

The control materials and methods used by MMCD are regularly tested for safety and only applied when surveillance indicates they would be effective. Larval control, which is the most common form of treatment, consists of dry granules or pellets being applied to standing water. The active ingredients are specifically designed to target mosquito larvae or adults with minimal impacts on non-target insects.

The control materials are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. For a complete list of control materials used, please visit MMCD.org

Scheduled treatments including planned helicopter activity are posted daily on the MMCD website and residents can sign up for e-mail alerts. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District appreciates your support.

For information about our programs or for tips on how to reduce mosquitoes near your home, please visit MMCD.org