Source Control for Eradicating Mosquitoes
Get Rid of Biting Insects by Eliminating Breeding Areas
Aug 4, 2009
Only the females need a blood meal (to provide protein for egg production). And, in some species, not even the female needs it.
So what's the answer? Water. Mosquitoes must lay their eggs in water, or in places where water will be (depressions or containers that will hold water).
Why is this important for the homeowner? Because the single most effective action a homeowner can take to control mosquitoes on his property is to get rid of potential mosquito breeding areas. This is called source control.
Integrated Mosquito Management
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) reports that states, counties and municipalities often set up mosquito management programs to rid communities of large populations of mosquitoes. These programs usually operate behind the scenes; the home owner may never notice their implementation.
Management programs utilize tactics such as biological and large-scale source controls coupled with careful implementation of chemical insecticides when needed to keep mosquito populations down over large areas.
Eliminating large breeding areas and using larvacides are the first line of defense actions incorporated by integrated mosquito management programs. If mosquito populations are excessive, breeding waters inaccessible, or disease-bearing mosquitoes have been identified through surveillance, control programs may turn to adulticides, insecticides that are broadcast in quantity from aircraft.
Back Yard Source Control
Integrated mosquito management programs operated at the community level work especially well in two areas. They're great for keeping down potentially large mosquito populations breeding in remote areas. And they reduce the number of long range fliers (mosquitoes capable of flying for miles from their breeding ground to a host's arm, say).
Where a homeowner can make a real difference is in eliminating sources of breeding water on his own property. This will impact the short range fliers, like the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).
Homeowners can go a long way in controlling mosquitoes in their own back yard by doing the following:
- get rid of low areas. Fill areas where standing water occurs. Drain puddles and ditches
- some mosquitoes use tree holes to breed. Drain or fill accessible tree holes
- eliminate areas of seepage (leaking faucets; septic drain fields; etc.)
- flush livestock watering bins and change water in bird baths at least once a week
- tarps and covers of all kinds sometimes sag and create pockets that hold water. Make sure water is draining from all tarps
- manage irrigation schedules. Water standing for any length of time should be eliminated
- get rid of old tires
- change or drain water from flowerpots once a week
Other Breeding Areas for Source Control
Homeowners need to think outside the box when surveying their property for potential mosquito breeding sites.
- any place items are stored or stockpiled outside, even under a deck, can trap water and breed mosquitoes
- water features like small ponds and waterfalls can also be breeding grounds. Use mosquito fish or biorational larvacides (Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Bits) in the water to control mosquitoes at the larva stage
- clean gutters and black PVC drainage pipes leading from gutters regularly
- even pet dishes, if left unattended for over 3 days, can breed mosquitoes
By supplementing a community-wide integrated mosquito management program with back yard source controls, homeowners can take a giant step forward in controlling mosquitoes on their property. Then, by incorporating secondary control methods like introducing birds and bats and selected chemical controls, homeowners can rest assured that they've done what they can to protect their homes and families from the pesky mosquito.
And if all else fails? Lather on the repellents.
Sources:
- American Mosquito Control Association website
- Article entitled "Insects: Mosquitoes", from MSU Cares, newsletter of the Mississippi State University Extension Service
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