Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests And Restoring Enjoyment Of The Great Outdoors

This executive order, signed September 29, 2026, establishes a national strategy to reduce tick and mosquito populations and combat the diseases they spread, with an initial pilot program focused on Washington, D.C. Rationale: Cites the spread of invasive mosquito species (Asian tiger and Egyptian mosquitoes) and expanding tick populations as growing health and economic burdens, particularly noting these mosquitoes have become dominant in areas including D.C. Key targets and diseases addressed: Tick-borne: alpha-gal syndrome, Theileriosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and Babesiosis. Mosquito-borne: West Nile virus, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue fever. Implementation: Within 60 days, Interior, Agriculture, EPA, and GSA (in consultation with HHS) must launch a D.C.-area campaign targeting a 90% reduction in invasive mosquito populations and 50% reduction in tick populations by 2028, through habitat remediation, control of host species (rodents, deer), and technologies like sterile insect techniques. Within 60 days, the EPA must submit a regulatory framework for advanced pest-control technologies (sterilization, genetic modification, beneficial bacteria) and expedite approval of novel, safe control methods. Within 90 days, HHS must launch prize competitions or research programs (building on the existing "Lyme Disease Moonshot") for diagnostics, prevention, and treatments for tick/mosquito-borne diseases, and review immunotherapy options for alpha-gal syndrome. Within 90 days, USDA (with Interior, HHS, and EPA) must launch prize competitions or research programs for non-chemical population control methods. Within 60 days, USDA and HHS must explore labeling requirements for food/drug products containing significant alpha-galactose content, similar to existing allergy warnings. Goal: The D.C. pilot program is intended to serve as a model for expanding similar tick and mosquito control efforts nationwide. Standard provisions: Preserves existing agency authorities, must be implemented within legal/budgetary limits, creates no enforceable private rights, and assigns publication costs to the Department of the Interior.