Hoosiers will soon feel the warmth of summer and warmer weather.
Even as you are reading this, the pests are still laying eggs in stagnant water. There will soon be swarms of them. There are many ways to stop them. People are eager to stop the buzzing creatures by using DEET at home and essential oils as home remedies.
These might be good options for hikers or picnickers, but local mosquito control and some private businesses support the larger fight against potentially deadly bugs.
This week’s Scrub Hub focuses on how widespread control measures can be used to combat mosquitoes that could carry diseases like West Nile Virus. We also explore the effects of these efforts on the environment.
We spoke to the Marion County Health Department, and the Office of Indiana State Chemist to learn more about the techniques that local agencies and private companies use to control mosquitoes. Also, how they are monitored.
The short answer: Balance public health and environmental stewardship
Both private businesses and health departments use sprays to combat mosquitoes. However, each approach it differently.
Marion County’s mosquito control program can be broken down into a few parts.
Matt Sinsko is the coordinator for vectorborne disease prevention at the Department. He said that there are two main operational programs during summer: finding breeding ground (larviciding), as well as killing adult mosquitoes (“adulticiding”).
Sinsko stated that we spend most of our energy trying to find areas where mosquitoes breed in standing water. We can reduce the population by finding the sources and killing mosquitoes in the water.
Sinsko stated that the county uses a lot of mineral oil for larviciding.
MoreScrub Hub: Is climate change making Indianapolis’ pothole problems even worse?
More Scrub HubWhy are utility companies cutting down trees on my street, and why?
The oil spreads across the water surface and prevents mosquito larvae breathing the water above it. Sinsko stated that the oil is easily broken down by sunlight and disappears within 24 hours. Sinsko said that the oil’s rapid breakdown means it is not a perfect solution as mosquitoes can once again use the same spot to breed.
Other aquatic insects do not breathe in the same manner as mosquitoes and are therefore not affected by the oils.
Sinsko stated that the control program uses separate insect growth regulators in larvicide operations, which could affect dragonfly larvae.
He stated that we use it only when necessary in certain situations.
To spray nightly droplets of adulticide, the health department uses ultra low volume machines mounted on the backs of trucks. Sinsko explained that fogging sprays precisely calibrated droplets.
Droplets will stay suspended for approximately 10 minutes and kill mosquitoes upon contact. Similar to mineral oil for larviciding but without any residual effects, this pesticide cannot kill mosquitoes once the droplets have fallen or evaporated.
Sinsko said that although residents and beekeepers may call Sinsko to voice concerns, the sprays have no adverse effects because the trucks are not operating at night. Even if the pesticide is sprayed on flowers that bees use for pollen it will not be active when they wake up.
It is possible, however, for private lawn care companies or pest control businesses to not spray at night, but instead during regular work hours.
Long Answer: During daylight sprays, complications can occur
David Scott, the administrator of the Indiana State Chemist Offices pesticide programs, said that there are many complaints about errant sprays reaching properties it was not intended for.
Some of these complaints are detailed in the state chemist’s case documents. The investigations often result in warnings and fines of up to $250. The state can take samples of items in the yard that are not targeted to check for pesticides. This will help determine if any pesticides were used on the property.It is meant to be treated.
Scott stated that while the Marion County Health Department will spray adulticides in the evening when mosquitoes have been active, Scott said that most residential treatments are done during daytime.
Scott stated that bees forage in daylight hours before dusk. It is more likely that you will contact bees during daytime and less likely to contact adult mosquitoes nighttime. Adulticide should be applied at night.
More:6 amazing Indiana hikes that you should try
More:How Indiana has fought past disease outbreaks
Indiana law requires that anyone spaying pesticides is regulated. Scott stated that the label on every container is a legal document. Every user is required to follow those regulations.
He said, “If you don’t you violate state or federal law.”
Current state regulations require users of certain types pesticides to be licensed and certified.
Community-wide mosquito control programs are often those that are associated with a local government health department. They aim to reduce the risk of disease transmission. There are also private residential control applications that can be used to eliminate nuisance mosquitoes. Scott stated that these for-hire businesses are a relatively new phenomenon, and have been growing in popularity over the past decade.
Marion’s vector-borne disease prevention coordinator at the health department, Sinsko, said that the program is supportive of pollinators and will take steps to avoid spraying gin areas in areas where there might be concerns.
Sinsko said that if Sinsko is aware of a beehive in their backyard, or someone who doesn’t want us around, then we will try to avoid that area as much as possible. Sinsko said that we don’t make promises as we are on a mission to eradicate diseases.
He said that even though one person may have a beehive, it doesn’t mean that their neighbors should be at high risk of contracting disease. This is the delicate line that the health department must walk to keep up with the public health mandate and be good stewards for the environment.
Sinsko explained that there are simple, effective, and environmentally safe ways residents could help keep mosquitoes at bay. The first step is to empty any water-holding container.
We often stress homeowners taking the time to clean up any water clogging their houses, he said. Clogged gutters are known to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. For mosquitoes, kiddy pools that have been left out for a few weeks are a great place to breed. They can even breed right under your nose.
Sinsko suggests getting a fan to blow towards you if you plan on spending time in the yard. Mosquitoes don’t fly well, so they won’t be able to take to the breeze.
Sinsko said that you can let us know if there are any things that could be breeding sources. You can avoid mosquito bites by doing what you can to prevent them.
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environmentalreporter. You can reach him at [email protected] him on Twitter@karlstartswithk
IndyStar is made possible by the generous support of Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
