The Asian tiger mosquito breeds in anything that holds rainwater, and Maryland's advice is to remove those containers because spraying helps only a little. The Maryland Department of Health names the blacklegged, lone star and American dog ticks as the species most likely to bite, and advises daily tick checks in warm months.
Key takeaways
- The Asian tiger mosquito is the biggest mosquito nuisance in Maryland, at about 60 percent of MDA mosquito complaints.
- It breeds in anything holding rainwater, from plant saucers to gutters, so emptying containers is the first step.
- Spraying helps only a little against the Asian tiger mosquito, according to state material.
- Maryland names the blacklegged, lone star and American dog ticks as the species most likely to bite people.
- The county says the blacklegged tick spreads Lyme disease, while a 2007 entomology note found lone star ticks are not involved in Lyme transmission.
- Daily tick checks and EPA-registered repellents are the state advice in warm months.
Why is the Asian tiger mosquito the one to watch?
The Asian tiger mosquito is the largest mosquito nuisance in Maryland, at about 60 percent of MDA mosquito complaints. It breeds in anything holding rainwater, so it is common in yards and around homes.
State material says it breeds in containers, so a yard can hold breeding sites even with no pond or ditch on the lot.
The practical result is that the first step is in the homeowner's hands. Removing and emptying containers does more than any single spray.
What containers and spots should you empty?
Empty anything that holds rainwater, including plant saucers, bird baths, toys, tarps that sag and clogged gutters. State advice is to remove breeding places before relying on treatment.
Check the yard after heavy rain, because containers fill quickly. Look under decks, in shaded corners and in the gutters at the back of the house.
A technician can check the property for breeding sites before a yard treatment, and can show where water collects on your lot.
- Plant saucers and bird baths
- Toys, buckets and tarps
- Gutters and downspouts
- Tyres and other containers in shade
What has the county done about mosquitoes?
Montgomery County has a Mosquito Control Task Force made up of the county, Montgomery Parks and several cities, and the county says mosquitoes will remain part of the local environment.
The county's material says mosquitoes will remain part of the local environment, so the practical goal is fewer breeding sites rather than none.
In 2016 the Maryland Department of Agriculture, working with county health officials, ran truck-based adult mosquito spraying in Gaithersburg, Wheaton and Sandy Spring. That was a single past event rather than a schedule.
Which ticks bite people in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Health names the blacklegged, lone star and American dog ticks as the species most likely to bite people. Each can bite, so a daily check covers all of them.
The state's advice is a daily tick check after time outdoors and an EPA-registered repellent. Ticks should be removed promptly with fine tweezers, and the bite area should be watched.
Ticks are a warm-season concern, and yards near wooded or tall-grass edges are where they are most often found.
What is known about lone star ticks in county parks?
A 2007 entomology note records lone star ticks at several Montgomery County parks from 2002 sampling, and says they are not involved in Lyme transmission. A news report of a private lab's sampling, year not confirmed, found lone star ticks made up over 95 percent of ticks collected in and around Quince Orchard Park on one June day.
The 2007 note lists Blockhouse Point Park, Fairland, Rock Creek Regional Park, Paint Branch and Wheaton Regional Park. The Quince Orchard figure was a single-day, unofficial count and should be read that way.
Park visitors should use the daily check and repellent advice, and anyone who finds a bite should watch the area and speak to a doctor if a rash or fever follows.
| Pest | When it is active | Advice in the sources |
|---|---|---|
| Asian tiger mosquito | Warm months | Empty containers; spraying helps a little |
| Blacklegged tick | Warm months | Daily checks; the county says it spreads Lyme |
| Lone star tick | Warm months, recorded in county parks | Daily checks; not involved in Lyme per a 2007 note |
What is the Lyme disease connection?
The county's Lyme page says the blacklegged, or deer, tick spreads Lyme disease. The 2007 entomology note says lone star ticks are not involved in Lyme transmission. Any tick bite should be watched.
A bite does not mean illness. Watch the area and speak to a doctor if a rash or fever appears, and tell them where the bite happened.
County Lyme case counts are not given in this guide because the sources conflict.
Frequently asked questions
Does treating the yard get rid of mosquitoes for the season?
Not on its own. Removing containers does most of the work, and spraying helps only a little against the Asian tiger mosquito. A technician can check the yard and explain the options. Call (855) 974-4733 to book a check.
Which tick should I worry about most?
The state names three species as the most likely to bite people. The blacklegged tick is the one the county links to Lyme disease, so watch every bite and tell a doctor if a rash or fever appears.
Should I use a repellent?
The state advice is an EPA-registered repellent when you are in areas where ticks are present. Follow the label on the product.
When should I check my pets for ticks?
After time outdoors, and especially after walks through tall grass or woods. Ask your vet about tick prevention for pets.
Sources
- Maryland Department of Health – Get Ticked Off brochure
- Montgomery County – Mosquito programs
- Montgomery County – Lyme disease
This guide is general information for Montgomery County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.