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Public Education about Aedes albopictus and  Disaster Response

Public education for the control of the Asian tiger mosquito (Ae.albopictus) is crucial for a successful mosquito control response after a disaster.  Distributing Ae. albopictus brochures before a disaster increases the public’s awareness about mosquitoes in their community. Brochures also provide the public with a point of contact that can be used to address mosquito questions as mosquito activity increases during recovery efforts.

Ae. albopictus survives hurricane conditions very well.  The Tiger mosquito is considered an urban mosquito and is usually found in direct proximity to populated areas.  Rainfall produced by a hurricane can increase Ae. albopictus production by filling containers around residences. The Tiger mosquito is a daytime flyer and cannot be effectively controlled using routine ULV strategies. It is usually the first mosquito to generate mosquito complaints after a disaster. Responding to mosquito complaints without considering the biology of the Tiger mosquito can confuse a program’s adulticiding effort. Disaster assessments of mosquito populations for ULV applications should exclude the Tiger mosquito.  The most effective control strategy for the Tiger mosquito is public education. Personnel receiving mosquito complaints should be knowledgeable of the Tiger mosquito’s biology.  Questioning homeowners about the type mosquito causing the problem can clarify the need for ULV equipment and creates a positive working relationship with the public.

Addressing the public’s awareness of Ae. albopictus habitat facilitates the suppression of mosquito breeding areas during cleanup efforts. A strong public education program helps the public understand mosquito control efforts and can facilitate communication about other mosquito control activities. Emergency management press releases can also be used to reinforce tiger mosquito brochures and inform the community about other mosquito control efforts.  Maintaining a positive dialog with the public at the local level is an integral part of any emergency response for mosquito control.  The Ae. albopictus brochure is a tool that can be used to build a bridge of information to the public about mosquito control efforts after a disaster.

Aedes albopictus brochures are available at no charge from Public Health Pest Management.  Follow the link for an Adobe Acrobat version of this brochure or call the PHPM office at (919)733-6407.

Jeff Brown, PHPM staff