Anna Berry, BCE
Because of the number of diseases mosquitoes can vector, they’re considered the most dangerous animal on the planet. Therefore, it may not be a surprise that successful mosquito control typically requires several strategies.
While challenging, the most important strategy is reducing harborage. For Aedes species, this includes urging property owners to eliminate any container holding stagnant water, from bottle caps to buckets to tires to kiddie pools. By diminishing habitats, we curtail areas where juvenile mosquitoes can grow and thrive.
If eliminating all microhabitats isn’t feasible, or when targeting species favoring larger bodies of water, consider larvicides that are designed to be placed in stagnant water bodies as floats or granules. To deter adult mosquitoes, utilize exclusion via closed doors, windows and screens to prevent their entry into buildings. Successful complementary techniques include chemical control through fogging and barrier treatments with sprays.
A comprehensive mosquito control plan should incorporate a variety of appropriate strategies tailored to the specific environment.
About the Author
Iversen is a technical director at B&G Equipment. Previously, she worked as training manager for McCloud Pest Management Solutions, South Elgin, Ill. She is a Board Certified Entomologist, ServSafe certified and instructor and proctor for the National Restaurant Association and is certified in HACCP. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in grain science from Kansas State University.
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