Experts from across the country and around the world are gathering for a two-day event co-hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation to discuss and further define innovative strategies for controlling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, transmits a number of medically important viruses such as Zika, yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya that are becoming more prevalent throughout the world. Orkin and other organizations are helping to support the summit through donations to the CDC Foundation.  


Orkin representatives are attending and will share scientific and practical perspectives on managing Aedes aegypti with a focus on improving mosquito control methods and reducing the risk of diseases such as Zika. Orkin's experts are very familiar with mosquito control techniques and hope to learn even more from other attendees, including public health experts, and representatives from U.S. and international government organizations, research institutions and the pest control industry. Attendees will gather and assess information about current and future control interventions and opportunities for improvement. In addition, they will discuss how to measure those interventions' impacts on the transmission of diseases to humans to ensure the use of the most effective methodologies.


"Subject matter experts from around the world have come together to discuss best practices and lessons learned about managing Aedes aegypti from the global public health level down to the individual," said Mark Beavers, managing director of technical services at Orkin. "The combined level of operational expertise at the event provides a great opportunity for us to better understand what's working, what's not and how we can improve our techniques."


Mosquito season, which begins as early as March in some areas of the country and lasts through late October, is around the corner. Here are a few tips to help protect against mosquito bites, especially as there is currently no vaccine to prevent or drugs to treat diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya:


Prevent your exposure: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and also use EPA-registered mosquito repellents that include one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535.


Eliminate entry points: Repair and use window and door screens and close gaps around windows and walls to help prevent entry; using air conditioning when possible can also help.


Remove their habitat: Remove containers from your yard that may have standing water and change the water in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and other outdoor containers every few days so these mosquitoes don't have a place for breeding and feeding.


"Not only are we committed to providing our customers with the best service and pest control techniques, but we also pride ourselves in staying at the forefront of scientifically-based research and evidence to continuously improve the services we provide," said John Wilson, president and COO of Rollins Inc. "Since 2004, Orkin has collaborated with the CDC on a wide range of initiatives including developing educational content, participating in research studies, leading Train the Trainer programs and providing public radio messages about pests and disease to improve public health. This partnership and collaboration with the CDC will help us continue moving science and our industry forward."


As co-host for the Summit, the CDC Foundation worked to secure philanthropic and private sector support, including Orkin's, for the event. The CDC Foundation advances the mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through effective philanthropy and public-private partnerships that protect the health, safety and security of the US and the world.


Visit the Centers for Disease Control site for the latest information on known Zika-affected areas and updated travel alerts.