Abstract: A Case for Cohabitating: Mosquito Control and Endangered Species Can Live Together
Increased regulatory and media scrutiny around pesticide exposure, habitat threats and climate change are all contributing to a heightened sensitivity to human impact on beneficial insects and protected or endangered species. While happening on a macro level, we see and feel the impact directly in public health mosquito control when community residents, advocacy groups, and even regulatory or legislative bodies challenge the merits of mosquito control practices with concerns about sensitive, threatened, or endangered species habitats.
The goal of this session is to share best management practices from a beneficial insects perspective for integrated mosquito management programs, drawing from several years of operational work performed in Illinois, including in areas where an endangered species (the rusty patched bumble bee) is present. This talk will focus on the criticality of collaborative relationships with local/state regulatory agencies and responsible stewardship that extends beyond the basic label requirements to build community trust and support for mosquito control focused on public health benefits.
