More Than Just a Nuisance
In the course of medical history, the mosquito ranks as a leading carrier of human disease. In fact, some public health experts say mosquitoes have been responsible for more death and discomfort than any other form of animal life with the possible exception of man himself.

Organized mosquito control programs in the U.S. date back to the early 1900s. The programs were formed to prevent the spread of such diseases as malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis in humans, and heartworm in dogs. While these diseases rarely represent a major problem in the U.S., the 1999 outbreak of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus in New York demonstrates the need for ongoing control.

From a global perspective, the mosquito menace is still very real. An estimated 3-5 million people die every year from mosquito-borne malaria, and many millions more are stricken.