Providing mosquito control service continuity during COVID-19

Mosquito control programs from coast-to-coast have shared how they are continuing work as an essential public health service, while protecting the health and safety of their staff members. Here's a summary of what we've learned:

Mosquito Control Operations During COVID-19 

Four trends for mitigating COVID-19 impacts on mosquito control operations are emerging as mosquito control programs adjust their operational protocols:

1. Employees are now home-based. Technicians are assigned one truck to keep at home, get dispatch orders over the phone or email, drive to the office only to pick-up product or for equipment service,  and payroll hours are logged via web-based systems.
2. One person per truck is the new standard. No morning huddles or team meetings unless they’re handled digitally.
3. Response to nuisance calls are being temporarily suspended.
4. Backpack sprayers with EPA-approved disinfectants are being used to provide disinfection services in public spaces.

Applications to Control Mosquitoes During COVID-19

Although most mosquito control programs have low adult mosquito populations at this time, a couple more weeks of spring showers and warming temperatures will increase the demand for control applications. Customers are managing applications by:

1. Focusing on pre-season suppression with extended control larvicides.
2. Considering drones for wide area control or reduced staff exposure.
3. Weighing the benefits of aerial applications for maximum efficiency.
4. Protecting PPE supply by opting for products with less PPE requirements.

Staffing Mosquito Control Programs During COVID-19

Here are a few ways mosquito control programs are managing scheduling for their workforce of essential public health workers during COVID-19.

1. Split shifts or staggered start times provide more flexibility and promote social distancing.
2. Administrative staff are rotating days in the office to manage deliveries and phone lines.
3. Proceeding cautiously with ramping up seasonal staff.

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