The Long History of Atlanta Mosquito Control: How Mosquitoes Lead To the Founding of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is based right here in Atlanta? In fact, it was founded here because of the deadly mosquito-borne disease, Malaria.

But, Malaria is not an issue in the United States? Is it?

No, but it was.

The National Malaria Eradication Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was established in 1946 as a successor to the Office of Malaria Control in War Areas. Established in Atlanta because the southeast is where Malaria was most prevalent, the CDC oversaw the national malaria eradication program.

According to the CDC, the National Malaria Eradication Program was a combined effort between state and local health agencies with the CDC. Its primary activity was to apply DDT to the interior surfaces of rural homes or entire properties where Malaria was reported. They also drained ditches, removed mosquito breeding sites, and misted insecticides (sometimes from aircraft). From July 1, 1947, when the program began to 1949, more than 4.5 million homes had been misted with DDT. By 1951, the country was declared free of Malaria. Note: The United States banned the use of DDT in 1972.

The Long History of Atlanta Mosquito Control

According to the CDC, there are still roughly about 2,000 cases of Malaria diagnosed in the United States each year. Those cases primarily come from returning travelers and immigrants. The disease remains almost non-existent in developed countries but is a top killer in 3^rd world countries.

Today the CDC advises property owners and mosquito control professionals on the best methods for limiting mosquito populations. They are also responsible for educating the public about mosquito bites' dangers as they monitor mosquito disease outbreaks.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases Today

Malaria is still responsible for almost half a million deaths each year worldwide. However, in the United States, mosquito diseases such as the West Nile virus and Easern Equine Encephalitis pop up each year.

Mosquitoes also spread heartworm to our furry friends.

Greater Atlanta Mosquito Control Near Me

In Atlanta, mosquitoes are mostly an annoyance factor. With a warm climate and a long mosquito season, that is reason enough to hire professional mosquito control services. However, it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to alter your life and potentially end it. Unfortunately, there is no way to know which mosquitoes are infected and with what.

At Mosquito Squad of the Greater Atlanta Area, we can eliminate 85-90% of mosquitoes from your property. Sign up for our five-star mosquito control services for the season, and our team will automatically come back to treat your property every three weeks for the entire mosquito season. Call our team today to request a free quote for the best Atlanta mosquito control services for your home or business.