Vectors and Public Health Pests

According to the World Health Organization, vectors are “living organisms that transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animal to human.” The most common and impactful vectors for humans are mosquitos and ticks.

Public health pests are organisms that are a nuisance to the general public but do not transmit disease. The most common public health pest is the bedbug, though some recent research has shown that they may have the ability to transmit disease.

Environmental Health professionals are instrumental in helping individuals, institutions, and communities reduce vectors and public health pests. One of the most effective strategies to reduce vectors and public health pests is through integrated pest management (IPM) practices. IPM is a multifaceted, environmentally friendly, and common-sense approach to managing pests: Do not attract them, keep them out, and eliminate them using the safest and most effective methods.

Some of the pests and vector-borne disease that we need to be aware of in Laramie County include:

• Bed Bugs
• Flies
• Hanta Virus
• Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
• Plague
• Psittacosis
• Rabies
• Tularemia

For questions related to vectors and public health pests, please contact our Environmental Health division at 307.633.4090.