Education, Public Health, and Management
Golf Course Superintendents and Managers have many different responsibilities. Rain or shine, they work hard to create safe and enjoyable courses and fairways. Unfortunately, the presence of nuisance mosquitoes can distract from even the most breathtaking facilities. Out of control mosquito populations are both annoying and dangerous. Maintain trust and confidence in your brand by establishing a dedicated mosquito management plan that protects golfers and employees.
It takes just one bite to contract a mosquito-borne disease. This ease of transmissibility and the presence of mosquitoes on nearly every continent make them the most dangerous species in the world—accounting for more than 17% of all infectious diseases. In the United States, it’s most common to encounter West Nile virus (WNv), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Chikungunya, and Zika.
These diseases occur in every state, though Texas, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and Massachusetts are among the most affected. In 2021, the CDC reported over 2,500 cases of human transmission of vector-borne diseases in the United States, resulting in over 160 deaths.
Source: CDC Vital Signs, May, 2018
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
- Zika Virus
- West Nile Virus (WNv)
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Malaria
- Yellow Fever
- St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
- Heartworm Disease
The IMM Advantage
Predicting when and where these outbreaks will occur can be challenging. As part of an Integrated Mosquito Management program, experts utilize many management solutions to target mosquito populations at all stages of their lifecycle.
Surveillance and Disease Testing
Regular monitoring and sampling of local mosquitoes allow professionals to identify the types of species present, the disease risk, and the areas where populations have proliferated. Our experts will strategically place traps around the course to identify the most problematic breeding areas and continue to monitor the effectiveness of control efforts over time.
Data Collection
Data gives insights into mosquito breeding areas and populations, disease threats, and the potential for insecticide resistance. It allows us to effectively treat the right places at the right times, reducing the amount of spraying on the course and resulting in fewer complaints from members. Collected data is recorded in VDCI’s proprietary database and reported to customers on a recurring basis.
Ground Applications
Ground crews use advanced spray technologies and EPA-registered products to target mosquitoes at both the adult and larval stages. Applicators are trained in the safest mosquito control practices in accordance with national standards. Depending on the desire of the course, our professionals can carry out spraying via truck or foot.
Aerial Applications
VDCI operates a robust fleet of planes and aerial drones. Ground crews can use professional drones to more efficiently and precisely apply product near turf and irrigation ponds, allowing us to target areas that your typical commercial mosquito control company can’t. Additionally, drone applications are quiet and less disruptive to club activities.*
*Drones are configured with advanced software that inhibits filming in residential areas.
Part of a proactive, holistic approach to mosquito management includes education. Our experts can assist with educational presentations at safety meetings so that workers are employing best practices to help limit mosquito breeding habitat around the course and that staff and players have appropriate personal protection to help prevent bites.
VDCI is a company built on the foundations of public health, ethics, professionalism, and technical expertise. We establish vector management programs that are based on an understanding of the underlying vector’s ecology and rooted in the current science of environmentally sound control measures.
We Are The Vector Management Experts
With the support of an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program, superintendents and managers can help keep their guests and staff safe from vector-borne diseases. Fill out the form below or call our mosquito experts at 866.977.6964 to discuss solutions for your unique needs.