March 20, 2008

Mosquito control already underway

The Adams County Mosquito Control District is beginning its summer larva control operation. It will continue into late October of this year. The usual problem areas will be checked along with any new areas found that are within Adams County.

Two biological products will be used, BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) and BS (Bacillus sphaericus), a growth regulator called Methoprene and a product called Agnique which is a Monomolecular Surface Film, which has no water use restrictions. A Paraffinic white mineral oil will also be used on special areas where other products are not effective. All of these products have been used for the last several years.

Any questions regarding the products used or the areas to be checked and or treated please call the district office at (509) 488-2661. If no one is at the office, please leave your name and phone number and we will return your call.

Many early flying insects are not mosquitoes even though they look like it. The Adulticiding or Fogging program will be done on an as needed basis, which will be determined by the district.

To help prevent mosquito bites wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when changing irrigation water and out in areas where mosquitoes may be abundant use insect repellant according to the label. Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn. Citizens can help by checking for any kind of container that could hold water and dump it out and turn it over. Watering troughs and bird baths need to be cleaned weekly also to prevent mosquitoes.