For the Best Mosquito Control, "When in Doubt, Dump it Out!"

 
Did you know there are 40 species of mosquito in Chatham County? Forty. That's not a typo. Neither did I, until I started working for Chatham County Mosquito Control. It's getting to be that time of year again, when the DEET and citronella candles make their debut on store shelves. The time of year when a trip outside to weed the garden turns you into a giant bullseye target for the little dive-bombers. And because of our two salt marsh mosquitoes,

Mosquito control helicopter on flyover.
Photo courtesy of CCMC
Ochlerotatus sollicitans and Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus , those of us who live on the coast often have to bear the brunt of the attack.

Chatham County Mosquito Control (CCMC) uses a variety of methods (called Integrated Pest Management or IPM) to control the "nuisance" species (the 16 or so species that actually bite

humans) in the county, as well as those that have the potential to spread disease. The most important control methods fall into three categories: chemical, biological, and mechanical.

Example of often overlooked source for mosquito breeding site.
Photo courtesy of CCMC
Chemical control is often the first thing to come to mind when people think about pest management. And while chemical control of adult mosquitoes is an important part of IPM, it is used only when necessary as a supplement to other control methods, and every effort is undertaken to ensure safety to the environment, people, pets, and even other insects. For example: the sprays and equipment used to kill adult mosquitoes are so precisely calibrated that they will not affect any larger-bodied insects- so honeybees, dragonflies, butterflies, and other beneficial insects stick around while the mosquitoes around them kick the bucket. Biological control - stocking permanent ponds, rain barrels, and ditches with mosquito-eating fish - is also an easy, long-lasting, and eco-friendly way to control mosquitoes. Special strains of bacteria are also used to combat mosquito larvae.

But mechanical control - or source reduction - is perhaps the most important and effective way to prevent a mosquito problem. There is

one thing that every mosquito needs: standing water. Anything that holds water - birdbaths, flower pots, loose tarps, plastic toys, cups, old tires - can be an ideal breeding spot for mosquitoes. One pesky species will even lay its eggs in something as small as a plastic bottle cap. And that's the hard part for Chatham County Mosquito Control's staff of about 30. We just can't get to every bottle cap and flower pot in the county.

Example of standing water that attracts mosquitoes.
Photo courtesy of CCMC
Here's where you and your neighbors come in; we call it the "tip or toss" method. Tip over any items that can gather rain water (like canoes or plastic sandbox toys). Toss and refresh water in items like birdbaths and pet water dishes at least twice a week in the summertime. If you have a backyard pond or large rain barrel, consider installing a fountain or stocking fish (Chatham County residents can get mosquito fish for FREE from our offce). Throw away any

Empty and turn over items such as this flower pot base.
Photo courtesy of CCMC
unwanted items, and report illegal dumping to the police or Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division (EPD). And, "when in doubt, dump it out!"

Following these simple rules can make an incredible impact on the mosquito popu- ation - even without the use of pesticides. To report a mosquito problem, request an inspection of your property for potential breeding areas, or to learn the time and location of the next scheduled spray, call Chatham County Mosquito Control at (912) 790-2540. For more information and prevention tips, visit their website at http:// mosquitocontrol.chathamcounty.org.

Carolyn is a Michigan native with her master's degree in biology and a love of all things outdoors. If you'd like to share your stories or ideas, drop her a line at Carolyn@WaterSidenews.com

Spots where people might find mosquitoes breeding