Adult Ixodes scapularis (deer tick)
Mosquitoes and ticks are an annoyance for outside activities and can be a threat to human health but commonly-used chemical treatments are contributing to declines in pollinators and essential insect populations. VCE/Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists are committed to helping our community learn how to protect themselves from these pests while protecting pollinators. Keep up with the latest information through the following links
A birdbath can be a perfect place for mosquito larvae.
Non-toxic dunk works well in a water feature to inhibit mosquitoes.
A female Aedes aegypti mosquito while she was in the process of acquiring a blood meal from her human host.
Female lone star tick
From left: Dog tick, lone star tick, deer or black-legged tick, and deer tick nymph. (Not actual size) (Photo: http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/wisconsin-ticks/tick-identification-for-public-health-and-medical-professionals/)
Engorged American dog tick
VCE
MGNV Resources
Frequently Asked Questions from the Help Desk about Mosquitoes - Mosquito and Tick Management: Pesticide Reduction for Pollinator Protection
- Mosquito Control Begins With a Home Walk-Around
- Protecting Yourself from Ticks ….Without Harming Pollinators
- Protecting Yourself from Mosquitoes…Without Harming Pollinators
VCE Recommended Links
- Arlington Regional Master Naturalists
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Virginia Department of Health
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
Arlington County
- Beat the Bite: Top Tick Tips
- Lyme Disease
- Mosquito Information Center
- A Reference Guide to Mosquitoes, Ticks, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease
- Ticks
- Zika Information
