Mosquito and Tick Control: How to Keep Your Family Safe Without Poisoning Your Yard

Mosquitos and ticks are a nuisance at best and health risk at worst, so it’s understandable why people often turn to insecticides to try and control these pests. Though spraying may seem like a quick and easy way to deal with mosquitos and ticks, it’s often an ineffective control strategy. Worse, these insecticides are toxic to pollinators and other beneficial insects. Join us to learn about the risks that mosquito spraying poses and discuss practical, alternative methods of mosquito and tick control in residential landscapes.

Aaron Anderson of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation works with the public and Xerces staff to reduce pesticide use in residential landscapes, including promoting alternative pest control measures and pollinator-friendly gardening practices. Prior to joining Xerces in 2022, he researched pollinator conservation in urban landscapes, restored habitat for several endangered butterfly species, and worked in insect biocontrol. Aaron has a PhD from Oregon State University.