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President Donald Trump has ordered a Washington, DC, campaign to cut invasive mosquito and tick populations by 2028, alongside work on new pest-control technologies. [Source 1] [Source 2]
What has changed? · 30/09/2026, 06:33 UTC
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing a federal mosquito and tick-control campaign in Washington, DC, the White House said on 29 September. The administration aims to cut invasive mosquito populations by 90% and tick populations by 50% by 2028, as part of an effort to reduce insect-borne disease. [1]
The Interior and Agriculture departments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the General Services Administration are to develop and carry out the campaign with the Department of Health and Human Services. The plans include tackling breeding grounds on federally controlled land across the city and using non-chemical, technology-based methods. [1]
The EPA is also to work with Agriculture and Health and Human Services on a regulatory framework for developing and releasing control technologies. A framework would be distinct from approval to release a particular product. In May, the EPA said releases of genetically engineered mosquitoes were not authorised in the US; it had separately approved wider use of a different, Wolbachia-based mosquito-control product in 2023. [1] [3] [4]
The order also calls for more research and prize competitions focused on preventing and treating tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. Agriculture and health officials are to explore allergy-style labelling for products containing significant amounts of alpha-galactose; no labelling requirement has been announced. [1]
The executive order directs the Interior and Agriculture departments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the General Services Administration to develop and implement a campaign across Washington, DC, within 60 days, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services. It sets targets for cutting Asian tiger and Egyptian mosquito populations, and other invasive mosquito populations where appropriate, by 90%, and the tick population by 50%, by 2028. These are population targets, not targets for reducing human infections.
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On land under federal jurisdiction, the order calls for work on mosquito and tick breeding grounds, including landscaping, drainage improvements and targeted natural controls. It also requires a plan for controls across DC communities, developed with the city government where appropriate. The stated aim is to avoid harm to beneficial insects, native wildlife and plants, and public green spaces. [6]
Within 60 days, the EPA must submit a framework for developing and releasing advanced control technologies, considering sterilisation, genetic modification and beneficial bacteria. It must also prioritise novel methods or products that its administrator finds safe and effective. The order does not authorise any particular environmental release. [6]
The order also gives health officials 90 days to announce research competitions or direct programmes on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases, and to review potential treatments for alpha-gal syndrome. Officials must explore allergy-style labelling options for products containing significant amounts of alpha-galactose. Implementation is subject to available funding and applicable law. [6]