The snow has melted, and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) is actively working to implement preventative measures to reduce the summer influx of nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes in the Twin Cities. This year, MMCD has added more treatment drones to its fleet, allowing for the use of drones to treat mosquito larvae in standing water across every county in the District for the first time in 2025.

MMCD engages in various activities, including surveillance and treatment to mitigate the risks posed by mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks, all while maintaining environmentally sensitive practices. Each year, MMCD field staff monitor and treat wetlands that breed mosquitoes using a combination of trucks, helicopters, and drones. Many seasonal staff members begin their work in April. Residents of the seven-county metro area may notice green or white trucks displaying the MMCD logo, or staff members on bikes or on foot wearing brightly colored "Mosquito Control" vests.

Occasionally, MMCD employees may need to cross private property to access and inspect areas for mosquito larvae. 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 conducting throughout New Hope include:

• Wetland Surveillance: Checking ponds or swamps to see if they have mosquito larvae present.
• Catch Basin Surveillance: Removing grates and inspecting neighborhood catch basins to determine if mosquito larvae are present.
• Ground Larval Treatments: Applying control materials to wetlands, structures, or catch basins either by hand or with a backpack.
• Helicopter Larval Treatments: Applying control materials to a wetland using a helicopter.
• UAS/Drone Larval Treatments: Applying control materials via drone.
• Setting or Collecting Traps: These activities help MMCD identify where and what types of mosquitoes are active.

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) regularly tests its control materials and methods for safety, ensuring they are only used when monitoring indicates they will be effective. The most common treatment method is larval control, which involves applying dry granules or pellets to standing water. The active ingredients are specifically designed to target mosquito larvae and adults while minimizing impacts on non-target insects. These control materials are safe for people, pets, and wildlife. For a complete list of control materials used, please visit MMCD.org.
Scheduled treatments, including planned helicopter activities, are posted daily on the MMCD website and our X/Twitter page @metromosquito. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District appreciates your support. For more information about our programs or tips on reducing mosquito populations near your home, please visit MMCD.org.