Jeannine Dorothy, a state entomologist whose College Park office oversees the mosquito control program in nine western and central Maryland counties, including Baltimore, said budget cuts have had an impact on this year's efforts. The program is operating without four of the seasonal employees who administer the insecticides, she said.
"We just have to work to the level of the budget," Dorothy said. "When we come to the end of the money, we stop."
The state's total budget for the mosquito control division is $2.9 million, with $1.7 million from the state's general funds and $1.2 million generated through fees from the counties.
With more rain likely through the weekend, more mosquitoes are also likely, adding to an already rising population.
The most active part of the hurricane season begins in mid-August and lasts through late October, according to the National Weather Service.
Because mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus, they are more than just a nuisance.
According to Schofield, five mosquito pools in Maryland have tested positive for West Nile, four in Worcester County and one in Prince George's County. No cases of human transmittal of the virus have been reported in Maryland this summer.
But with the mosquito season's two busiest months coming up, Schofield said, "We're nervous on our end."
The buzz on Maryland mosquito control
* 268,000 acres sprayed by air so far this year
* $2.9 million total spent in mosquito control, $1.7 million from the state's general fund and $1.2 million from local fees
* 7 weeks remaining in mosquito season
