Do a thorough inspection to identify mosquitoes

Christy Jones, BCE

Like most insect control measures, a proactive response can help you control your mosquito problems before they start. Begin with a thorough inspection to identify breeding and harborage sites. Any breeding sites that can be emptied, such as discarded pots or buckets, should have the standing water removed and left upside down to prevent refilling. Sites that cannot be emptied should be treated with an appropriate larvicide.

Some larvicides contain a soil bacterium the larvae digest, providing control in the larval stage. They have a short residual — less than a month — and do not prevent those already in the pupal stage from emerging into adults. Other larvicides rely on mineral oil that prevents the immature mosquitoes from getting the air they need to survive. These formulations can be used in areas that have a large amount of late instar or pupal stages. Controlling breeding areas is a great way to get ahead of the problem and prevent larvae from becoming blood-feeding adults.

In addition to breeding sites, another preventive measure is to treat the harborage sites around the area, such as overgrown shrubs or tall grass, with a water-based residual to control the adult mosquitoes that fly in from the surrounding areas.