Hoosiers are being bitten by mosquitoes as they approach summer and warmer weather.
Even as you are reading this, the pests are still laying eggs in stagnant water. There will soon be a swarm 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 are great options for hikers and picnickers, but local mosquito control as well as private businesses lend their support to the wider fight against potentially disease-carrying insects.
This week, we are examining the various measures taken to control mosquitoes. What effects can they have 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.
Short Answer: The balance between public health and environmental responsibility
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 in the 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 will have greater success in reducing the population if we can locate the source and kill the mosquitoes while they are still in the water.
Sinsko stated that the county uses a lot of mineral oil for larviciding.
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The oil spreads across the water surface and prevents mosquito larvae breathing the water above it. Sinsko said that the oil can be broken down in sunlight and is gone in 24 hours. Sinsko said that the oil’s rapid breakdown means it is not a perfect solution as mosquitoes can once again use that spot for breeding.
Other aquatic insects don’t breathe in the same way that mosquitoes do, so they aren’t affected by oils.
Sinsko said that separate insect growth regulators are used in the control program during larvicide operations. This could be harmful to something like dragonfly larvae.
He said that we try to use it only when it is necessary in certain environments.
The health department uses ultralow volume machines that are mounted on the backs trucks to spray adulticide droplets at night. Sinsko explained that fogging sprays precisely calibrated droplets.
Droplets will stay suspended for approximately 10 minutes and kill mosquitoes upon contact. This technique is similar to the mineral oil used in larviciding. The droplets do not leave behind any residual effects. Once they have evaporated, the pesticide will no longer be able kill mosquitoes.
Sinsko stated that residents and beekeepers will call Sinsko with concerns during sprays. However, because the trucks spray at night, the bees aren’t active at night, there are no adverse side effects. Even if the pesticide is sprayed on flowers that bees use for pollen it will not be active when they wake up.
However, it is possible that a private lawn-care company or pest control business won’t spray at night but will instead spray during regular work hours.
Long Answer: There are complications that can occur during daylight sprays
David Scott, administrator of the Indiana State Chemist Offices pesticide programme, stated that there are complaints from people about sprays that go to properties they were not meant to treat.
Some of these complaints are detailed in the state chemist’s case documents. The investigations often result in warnings and fines up to $250. The state can inspect the yard and take samples to see if pesticides are present.are to be treated.
Scott stated that adulticide spraying will be done by Marion County Health Department in the evening when mosquitoes and other insects are active. However, most residential treatments are done during daylight hours.
Scott stated that bees forage in daylight hours before dusk. You are more likely to come in contact with bees during daylight hours and to encounter adult mosquitoes at nights. Night is the best time to (apply) adulticide.
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Indiana regulations apply to anyone who uses pesticides in Indiana. Scott stated that every pesticide container’s label is a legal document, and that every user must follow those regulations.
He said that you will be punished if you don’t violate federal and state law.
Current state regulations require users of certain 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 that may pose a problem.
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 balance that the health department must tread to meet the public health mandate, while also being good stewards and stewards.
Sinsko stated that there are simple, environmentally safe ways residents can keep mosquitoes away. It starts with emptying any water-holding containers.
He stated that homeowners are often encouraged to take the time and clean up any water-holding items in their home. 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 can’t fly and aren’t great at catching 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
The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust generously supports IndyStar’s environmental reporting projects.
