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Control Strategies
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The NCMVCA recommends an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to controlling pest populations. This approach combines knowledge of
insect biology and the latest technology to develop the best method to manage insect populations without an over-reliance on pesticides.
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Links for more information:
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In order to achieve maximum insect control with a minimum negative effect on the environment, it is necessary to precisely identify which species
you need to target. Sampling aquatic habitats and trapping adult mosquitoes will enable control efforts to be tailored to a specific species.
Effective and environmentally sensitive mosquito control follows a stepwise approach. Prevention through the removal of breeding sites is
the obvious first step, followed by larval control. Adult control is required when other options are impractical or only partially successful.
The biology and habitat of the target species will help determine the best methods to use.
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PREVENTION |
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This is the most efficient, environmentally safe, and cost-effective method to reduce the risk of disease and discomfort from mosquitoes.
Prevention involves reducing or eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Public education efforts should focus on what homeowners can do to reduce and eliminate breeding sites around their home as well as personal protection measures.
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Reducing Breeding Habitat: |
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A large measure of mosquito control can be accomplished through water management techniques. Since mosquitoes generally require pools of
still water for larval development, control can be as simple cleaning gutters, emptying bird baths at least once a week, and maintaining the correct level of chlorine in swimming pools.
On a large scale, proper grading, maintenance of ditches, and proper management of wastewater may be helpful.
All activities that limit or prevent the accumulation of standing water will reduce mosquito populations. For more information on what can be done in your area, please refer to the following links:
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Personal Protection |
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Preventing mosquito bites is as important as reducing breeding grounds. It is up to the individual citizen to reduce his or her risk of
exposure by repairing screens, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito times and judicious use of repellents.
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Larval Control |
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Once mosquito eggs have hatched, there are two methods to prevent their reaching adulthood:
through the action of natural predators or the application of substances that are toxic to larvae.
Where possible, simple manipulations of the aquatic environment may increase the number of natural predators, such as damselfly or mayfly larvae.
The introduction of mosquito fish has been very successful in many types of aquatic habitats; however, careful consideration must be given to their effect on the ecosystem. On a larger scale it may be necessary to apply bacterial agents or chemicals into the water for more complete larval control.
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ADULT MOSQUITO CONTROL |
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Control of adult mosquitoes is required when prevention and larval control are impractical or only partially successful. On a large scale,
insecticides for adult control are applied with special equipment by licensed applicators.
Timely and judicious use of pesticides can reduce immediate health risks and reduce large, unusual population surges of mosquitoes. Pesticide application cannot be relied on for long-term control; that can only be achieved through prevention and larval control.
To reduce environmental impacts, large-scale pesticide applications are carefully monitored and regulated.
Record keeping is necessary and an important part of local control program efforts. Your NC State Representative from Public Health Pest Management can provide more information on current spraying programs and the pesticdes used.
For more information on specific products, please follow the links below:
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Precautions |
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When local
mosquito control prgrams determine that it is necessary to apply pesticides to a large area, homeowners may be notified through local papers, television announcements, etc.
Homeowners are advised to stay indoors for about 30 minutes after spraying begins in their neighborhood. Chemically sensitive individuals,
beekeepers, organic farmers and fish hatcheries can request advance notificiation.
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Bee Keepers |
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Where possible, it is best to remove hives out of the spray area. Hives that cannot be moved can be protected by covering them with
moistened burlap the evening before spraying begins.
The burlap will keep the bees trapped inside the hive during the day. It is important that the burlap be moistened to reduce the risk of overheating the hive. The burlap will need to be removed by mid-morning the following day.
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