West Nile Virus - What You Need to Know
What You Need to Know
Mosquito Control Services
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will provide mosquito control service to any community that would like to enroll in the program, within resource limits. Note: mosquito control service cannot be provided within a community that has not enrolled in the program.
Participating communities or their sponsoring county government, are required to pay at least one half of the cost of mosquito control services. The remaining cost is paid by MDA. To get enrollment information,
Standing and Stagnant Water Complaints
Residences - Owner Occupied
Complaints regarding owner-occupied residences should be referred to:
Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EPS)
E-mail: deps@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-4065
TTY users call via Maryland Relay
Residences - Rental Property
Complaints regarding rental properties should be referred to:
Baltimore County Code Enforcement
E-mail: pdmenforce@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-8099 or 410-887-3351
TTY users call via Maryland Relay
Recreational Areas and Large Commercial Sites
Complaints regarding recreational areas, streams, lakes, ponds and large commercial sites are also referred to EPS who will evaluate and refer the complaint to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mosquito Control Program, as necessary.
Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EPS)
E-mail: deps@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-4065
TTY users call via Maryland Relay
Dead Birds
Dead bird pickup and testing is no longer done in the State of Maryland. The risk of West Nile Virus infection is considered universal in Maryland and further testing of birds is not necessary. The disease is not transmitted by birds and the presence of dead birds does not predict human illness or dictate mosquito control efforts.
If you find a dead bird, please dispose of it as follows:
- Wear plastic or latex gloves or use a plastic page as a glove
- With your gloved hand, place or wrap the bird in a plastic bag and tie the page securely
- Dispose of the bag (and gloves) in an outdoor trash receptacle
- Wash your hands with soap and water
Please note that dead birds may also be buried. Sick or injured birds should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, Nuisance Animal Hotline at 1-877-463-6497.
Horses (Equine)
Your Horse and West Nile Virus informational brochure is available upon request by contacting:
Baltimore County Department of Health
Communicable Disease Division
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212-2130 E-mail:
E-mail: diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-2723
TTY users call via Maryland Relay
Information & Resources
24 Hour Hotline - Each year, beginning July 1 through October 31, the State Hotline 1-866-866-2769 will be available 24 hours a day providing recorded informational messages.
Information Packets - The Department of Health has WNV informational packets that can be customized according to your needs. Call 410-887-2723 or send an e-mail to diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov to request a packet.
Mosquito Control Insecticides - Information regarding specific mosquito control insecticides, including a label and material safety data sheet for each product, and ways to reduce exposure to an insecticide being applied, is available online from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
West Nile Virus - Questions and Answers
View questions and answers regarding WNV.
West Nile Virus Specifics (PDF)
Information about the origin, how you get WNV, symptoms and ways to reduce your chances of getting WNV.
Fight the Bite!
Information regarding ways to reduce getting West Nile Virus and what happens if you get infected?
(Information compiled from various Center for Disease Control (CDC) publications)
Insect Repellents - Use and Safety
Information regarding the different types of repellents, who should use them, when to use them, and how to apply them.
What to do When You Find a Dead Bird (PDF)
Learn how to properly dispose of a dead bird.
How is the Virus Maintained in Nature? (PDF)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention illustrate components how the West Nile Virus is maintained in nature.
Revised May 13, 2011
