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Personal Mosquito Repellents
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Repellents |
Mosquitoes are
best controlled by combining several chemical and non-chemical control
tactics that reduce both the immature and adult mosquitoes in a given
area. Because larval mosquitoes are found in aquatic habitats and
adult mosquitoes in terrestrial habitats, control tactics for for each
life stage will be different.
Adult mosquito control tactics often result in immediate but short lasting
relief from mosquito attacks. Mosquitoes have very short life cycles
and can multiply within weeks. Modern adult mosquito insecticides
have limited residual effectiveness since they are designed to break down
into harmless chemicals in the environment.
Thus, for long-term and sustained relief from the detrimental effect of
mosquitoes, tactics that also target the aquatic stages (eggs,
wrigglers and tumblers) must be implemented in conjunction with adult
mosquito control methods.
Controlling
Mosquito Larvae
Mosquito eggs, wrigglers, and tumblers live in the water. Without
water, mosquitoes cannot multiply. Draining stagnant water, applying
biological or synthetic insecticides, putting a layer of oil on the water
surface to suffocate the wrigglers, and stocking ponds with
mosquito-eating fish are several means of reducing immature mosquitoes.
(Click on thumbnail to enlarge)
Controlling
Mosquito Adults
The control of adult mosquitoes can be as simple as using an ordinary
sprayer or as complicated as using an ultra low volume sprayer mounted on
an airplane.
Adult insecticides or adulticides are labeled according to what equipment
will be used to deliver the chemical in the environment where adult
mosquitoes are found. Insecticides for use with one equipment may
not be used with another. For example, some insecticides can only be
applied using a ULV (ultra low volume) unit and cannot be used using an
ordinary sprayer.
Applying adulticides using a ground
ULV unit (mounted at the back of a pickup
truck) is perhaps the most effective and popular means of quickly
reducing mosquito populations over large areas such as cities or
townships. Several South Dakota cities own ground ULV units and
treat for mosquitoes regularly from June through September. A ground
ULV unit can cost between $4,000-$8,000 if bought brand new. Its
sale and ownership is now being carefully monitored by the government.
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes Using
Ordinary
Sprayers
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes Using Mist
Blowers
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes
Using Thermal
Foggers
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes Using
Ground
ULV Units
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes
Using
Aerial
ULV Units
Controlling Adult Mosquitoes
Using
Conventional
Aerial Units
Always read and follow
label directions when using any insecticides.
A public health applicator's license is required of individuals who will
be applying restricted use insecticides. For details in
obtaining a SD applicator's license contact Jim
Wilson (605) 688-4752 at SDSU or Steve
Spitler at the SD Department of Agriculture in Pierre.
Excellent References:
www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/pests/e472w.htm
(North Dakota State University).
www.grandforksgov.com/publichealth/mosqu.htm
(Grand Forks, ND Mosquito Control).
The slides
above are from my presentation to the SD Pest Control Operators
Certification meeting held in Brookings, SD (carried via VTEL over
numerous other sites) on November 1, 2001 organized by Jim Wilson
and Steve Spitler..
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