Camano Island Mosquito Control District #1 was formed in 1995 after a severe infestation of mosquitoes. A few concerned citizens took the initiative to form a mosquito control district. The boundaries of the district were created to take care of the worst of the infested areas at the time. The major areas of concern were at English Boom and Livingston Bay. With continuing efforts we have been able to keep mosquito populations in check at these sites. However, we’ll never be able to stop treating these sites while neighboring areas are still breeding mosquitoes unchecked. The Camano Island Mosquito Control District has hopes of someday including all of Camano Island into the district so we can effectively monitor the entire island.
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The Camano Island Mosquito Control District is governed by a five member Board of Trustees and is managed by the District Manager. As a mosquito control district we are obligated to monitor all reports of mosquitoes, breading sites and adult populations. This process involves getting out in the field, finding and mapping the mosquito breeding sites, surveying the extent of the problem, and treating the areas using an integrated pest management system. We collect adult mosquitoes to establish mosquito hatch densities, the effectiveness of any larvicide treatments, and what mosquito species are present. Adult female mosquitoes are sent to the Washington State Department of Health to be tested for West Nile Virus. Public education is also a very important component of an integrated pest management program; many mosquito problems actually start at home. By educating people about mosquitoes everyone can do their part to help control this disease spreading pest.
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