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Mosquitoes on a roll
By Miles Dabovich This past weekend my wife and I decided to catch up on a little yard work and WOW we found out quick that we had a heavy infestation of mosquitoes and they were attacking us. In the words of the famous writer Mark Twain who once wrote "Two could whip a dog and four could hold down a man". There are probably at least 30 species of mosquitoes and with recent rainfall they are sure to cause problems for people and pets. To combat the nuisance and health threat problem that mosquitoes present, an integrated approach to pest management should be followed. This includes knowing the pest's biology and using that knowledge and the most appropriate control tactic to manage the pest. Mosquito biology Mosquitoes are the "true fly" Order Diptera, which is Latin and means "two-wings". All flies go through four developmental stages: Egg, larva, pupa and adult. Each of these stages has specific environmental requirements; for mosquitoes, standing water is a must for eggs, larvae and pupae to survive. Both adult males and females need flower nectar to survive and mate, but only female mosquitoes require a blood meal. This is needed to produce viable eggs. Female mosquitoes are attracted to potential blood sources by a combination of carbon dioxide, temperature, moisture, smell, color and movement. Once females mate and obtain a blood meal, they search for standing water in which to lay their eggs. Depending on species, eggs are laid in groups called "rafts," or singly on the water surface or in very wet mud at the waters edge. Larvae hatch from the eggs in 24 to 48 hours. The larval stage of development is referred to as the "wiggler." This is the feeding stage of development. Wigglers feed on decaying organic matter in addition to living organisms like algae, plankton, fungi and bacteria. Depending on water temperature, this stage of development lasts from four to 14 days. Once larvae are mature, they transform into the pupa stage. The pupa stage is called a "tumbler" because of the curious tumbling movements they make when disturbed. This is the stage of development in which the mosquito begins its transformation into an adult. Within one to four days, the adult mosquito will emerge from the pupa and after a short period of resting on the waters surface, will fly out to start the life cycle over again. Mosquito management Mosquito management is certainly no easy task. However, with cooperative efforts of citizens and city officials, mosquito problems can be drastically reduced. Prevention is the first and best tool for reducing the potential of mosquitoes becoming a problem in your area. This involves reducing "source points" or locations where mosquitoes breed by frequently changing the water in outdoor birdbaths, pet water bowls, and other small containers holding water. Also, check for water leaks around faucets and keep rain gutters clear of trash. Larger water sources like water troughs and water gardens are difficult or impossible to change frequently enough to prevent mosquitoes from developing into adults. This can be prevented by the addition of "mosquito fish" or gambusia. These small guppy-like fish thrive on mosquito wigglers and tumblers. Additionally, many environmentally safe biological control products (bacteria and growth regulators) are available to control immature mosquitoes. Products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus are environmentally safe, specific for and very effective against mosquito larvae and pupae to die from drowning. Insect growth regulators interfere with the ability of mosquito larvae to molt, resulting in the larva's death. All of these products are safe and effective when label directions are followed. Trade names for Bacillus Thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus include Aquabac, Teknar, Vectobac, LarvX, Summit Mosquito bits, dunks and briquets. These products are a biological control for larvae but not the pupa or adult. Altosid is an insect growth regulator and will control larvae also, but not pupa or adults. Agnique MMF is a surfactant film that will control larvae and pupa. Bonide is a surfactant oil that will do the same. Suspend SC and Permanone are nerve poisons that help control only the adult mosquitoes. A community-wide effort may be needed to eliminate large breeding areas such as low lying areas or sluggishly moving streams or ditches. These areas can also be effectively targeted with larva insecticides. Adult mosquitoes generally rest in tall weeds or other shady areas, so homeowners can reduce mosquitoes by keeping weeds mowed or using outdoor fogging insecticides in and around those areas. Although most evidence suggesting that birds and bats provide effective mosquito control is anecdotal, it doesn't hurt to provide an attractive habitat for these animals, as many do consume tremendous numbers of adult mosquitoes. Numerous mechanical devices (black light electric bug zappers, ultrasonic repellents, etc.) exist that may claim to control mosquitoes in one way or another (kill, repel, attract). Buyer be wary. Scientific data concerning the effectiveness of these devices is sparse, so be sure to review all the information available before purchasing. Also, remember that adult female mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, temperature, odor, etc., but not to light! So, those black light electric bug zappers will not control mosquitoes. Other devices have emerged recently that use carbon dioxide and octanol (mosquito attractant to capture and kill adult female mosquitoes. These devices will capture mosquitoes, but don't expect these products to keep you and your family mosquito free. Mosquitoes may travel up to two miles to find a host, and if mosquito populations are high, these devices will not be able to keep your area mosquito free. If you or your family members must be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, then wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Use an effective mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient DEET. Citronella candles will provide some relief when winds are calm. By following the information provided in this article and a little common sense, relief from mosquitoes is a sure bet. Date: 6/14/07
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