Introduction to Mosquito Control Districts
Contents
Statutory Authority
Chapter 17.28 RCW provides for the creation of mosquito control districts and provides the districts with the power to exterminate mosquitos, a method of financing mosquito control, and the power to abate breeding places for mosquitos as nuisances as is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of the residents.
Chapter 70.22 RCW establishes a statewide program for the control or elimination of mosquitos as a health hazard. The secretary of health coordinates plans for mosquito control work which may be projected by any county, city or town, municipal corporation, taxing district, state department or agency, federal government agency, or any person, group or organization, and arrange for cooperation between any such districts, departments, agencies, persons, groups or organizations.
History
In 1957, senators from the Ephrata and Odessa sponsored legislation authorizing the formation of special mosquito control districts. The law that passed, Ch. 153 Laws of 1957, provided for the creation of mosquito control districts in Adams, Benton, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Walla Walla and Yakima counties. A city could be part of a district if it requested to be included within the district by resolution. In 1959, the powers of the district were broadened, and in 1969, to accommodate inclusion of Chelan county, language was added to allow districts to be formed "in any other county" instead of only in the original seven counties. There are currently fourteen districts, with new ones being considered. Most of the districts are in Eastern Washington, but several have been formed in Western Washington. See list of Mosquito Control Districts.
West Nile Virus and Mosquito Control Districts
Facing a possible outbreak of the West Nile Virus, public health agencies are prepared to provide information about personal protection (use of clothing, insecticides and avoidance) and habitat control to prevent mosquito bites. A more challenging issue for local governments will be public calls for mosquito abatement. In jurisdictions with mosquito districts, this issue is easier to deal with than in other areas. Lacking a mosquito district, local governments need to consider stormwater drainage, roadside habitats, private property that is non-compliant with habitat control, and possible referrals to private pest control operators. This means inter-agency cooperation. See West Nile Virus - The Public Health Role, Courthouse Journal, 2-24-03
Because of the coordinated efforts and technical expertise needed to effectively maintain surveillance and control over mosquitos, the Department of Ecology recommends that communities actively support the formation of mosquito control districts. From the Department of Ecology's Focus on Mosquitoes, October 2002
The Department of Health's (DOH) Mosquito-borne Disease Response Plan, 11-02, notes that most mosquito control districts have been involved in mosquito control activities for years and can be a valuable partner to local health jurisdictions, the Department of Health, and other agencies and organizations. Activities of these districts are regulated by the Washington State Departments of Agriculture and Ecology. Depending on the size and capabilities of a given district, they can help in training of local personnel, serve on local and state advisory groups, and can provide information to jurisdictions considering the expansion or formation of mosquito control districts.
The following activities of mosquito control districts can be of importance in the assessment and management of mosquito-borne disease risks:
- Collection and identification of mosquitos and reporting of new species identified in an area to the DOH and local health officials.
- Mapping of mosquito habitat and location of vector species.
- Participating in the dead bird surveillance network.
- Providing expertise and training to public health officials on mosquito related issues including surveillance and control methodologies.