News Flash

Metropolitan Mosquito Control District trucks, helicopters, and staff will be out in neighborhoods and parks this spring and summer working to reduce mosquito-borne disease and annoyance.

SAINT PAUL - Every spring after the snow melts and as temperatures rise, we begin to find mosquito larvae in ponds and wetlands around the Twin Cities. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) will be conducting surveillance and treatment activities in your community to reduce the risk of disease and annoyance in an environmentally-sensitive manner.

Each year the field staff at MMCD monitors and treats wetlands that breed mosquitoes with a fleet of trucks and helicopters. Many of our seasonal staff begin working in April and residents of the seven county metro area may notice the green or white trucks with the MMCD logo or staff on bikes or on foot wearing brightly colored “Mosquito Control” shirts.

At times MMCD employees may need to cross private property for access to check and treat areas for mosquito larvae. MMCD management asks the community to please stay several feet away from field staff and ensure children and pets are kept at a distance. 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.
• Catchbasin 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 with a hand spreader or backpack.
• Helicopter larval treatments - applying control materials to a wetland via helicopter.
• Catchbasin treatments - applying control materials to neighborhood catchbasins.
• 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. They are designed specifically 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.

Work for MMCD

Each year Metropolitan Mosquito Control District hires around 180 seasonal employees to work at one of our six field facilities located in Oakdale, Rosemount, Jordan, Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Andover. Positions are still available at every facility and we are seeking great candidates who enjoy working outdoors, helping the community, and learning about the environment. Seasonal jobs have great starting wages, flexible start and end dates, paid time off, and more! Get more details and apply today at mmcd.org/employment.

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.

For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact Alex Carlson - acarlson@mmcd.org or (612) 750-9960.