Created by Parish Ordinance in June 2001, the Tangipahoa Mosquito Abatement District (TMAD) became the first public mosquito control agency in the Parish's history. Later that year, a 5-year, 5 mil property tax to fund the District was approved at the polls, with 62% of voters voting in favor of this new dedicated tax.
The Board of Commissioners hired Dennis Wallette as the District's first Director in March 2003. The District became fully operational in two months and began mosquito adulticiding spray operations. Two years later, the District expanded its efforts to Highway 442 and Highway 40 (not including the village of Tickfaw).
In April 2006, voters approved a 10-year renewal of the 5 mil property tax which funded our operations. This tax was approved with 89% of voters voting in favor. Later in the year, we moved to our current facility at 15483 W Club Deluxe Road in Hammond. This facility gave us a larger office which includes a laboratory, and additional storage space for vehicles, equipment, and chemicals. This much-needed facility continues to improve our efficiency in keeping our residents safe.
In 2009, the District purchased its first aircraft to conduct aerial spray applications. Before this, any aerial spray applications had been performed by contracted services. Using our aircraft, the District can perform aerial applications in a much more cost-effective manner, as well as reducing response time.
In December 2015, voters approved another 10-year renewal of the 5 mil property tax which funded our operations. 68% of voters voted in favor of our control efforts in the District. We will once again be up for renewal in March of 2025.
In March of 2024, Wallette announced his retirement after 21 years of service with the District. Shortly after, Assistant Director and Entomologist Colby Colona was named his replacement. Colona has been with the District since 2008, overseeing the laboratory and mosquito surveillance operations.