Untitled Document

Mosquito Control

In WNV endemic areas, both public and private efforts should be directed toward surveillance and suppression of mosquito reproduction. There are at least 35 mosquito species capable of transmitting WNV. Each mosquito specie is different, but they all share some vulnerabilities. Integrated programs target all stages of the mosquito lifecycle.

Eggs/Larvae/Pupae
- eliminate standing water needed for the first three stages of development. Under the right conditions even a small plastic cup could provide sufficient habitat for mosquito development.
- Use approved larvicides safe for water treatment to eliminate mosquitoes before the adult stage.
Adult
- install screens and nets to block access
- install insect traps
- thin or eliminate dense, moist and protective vegetation
- spray approved adulticides.

Instant feedback:

Standing water is an important habitat requirement for the early stages of mosquito development.

Newsflash from CDC; dated November 2008:

Adjustable rate mortgages and the downturn in the California housing market caused a 300% increase in notices of delinquency in Bakersfield, Kern County. This led to large numbers of neglected swimming pools, which were associated with a 276% increase in the number of human West Nile virus cases during the summer of 2007.

An interesting cofactor is suggested, in that:

"By law, all swimming pools or properties with pools have to be surrounded by 2-m high fencing and gates that must be locked when the homeowner is not present. These locked fences provided a formidable obstacle for mosquito control personnel to overcome for surveillance and treatment."

For more on this problem, please access the article named in the author citation below.

Reisen WK, Takahashi RM, Carroll BD, Quiring R. Delinquent mortgages, neglected swimming pools, and West Nile virus, California. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2008 Nov [date cited]. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/11/1747.htm