Pest Species

A vector is any organism that can transmit disease-causing agents, such as a virus or bacterium. Control of the vector can prevent and control some diseases. However, in order to control vectors, detailed knowledge must be acquired about their life cycle, preferred hosts and transmission cycles as well as surveillance of populations and habitats. 

Most vector-borne diseases in the U.S. are animal diseases that are sometimes spread to humans. Often the disease in humans is worse than in the animals.  Different vectors may spread the disease from animal to animal or from animal to humans.

In the United States, mosquitoes, flies, fleas and ticks are vectors of disease. By monitoring populations of these organisms as well as the incidence of human illness, Public Health Pest Management plays a vital role in keeping North Carolinians healthy.

For more information, please see our brochures or our pages on Mosquitoes, Ticks, Lice or Bedbugs.