We Attack Mosquitoes where They Live...
Source Reduction
Large scale drainage projects are important in reducing mosquito habitat. Although VDCI does not attempt drainage projects, we will work closely with local agencies in identifying drainage problems. VDCI has the ability to apply herbicides on a limited basis to roadside ditches, which helps both drainage and evaporation to reduce mosquito habitat. VDCI also conducts neighborhood source reduction campaigns. Our inspectors often conduct house-to-house inspections as needed to reduce the production of urban mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus) and educate homeowners to identify and remove mosquito production sources to control backyard production.
Biological Control of Larval Mosquitoes
Biological control of mosquitoes ranges from naturally occurring organisms such as birds, bats, fish, dragonflies, copepods and mosquito larvae, to artificially introduced organisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus. Although few of the biological control agents occurring in nature are available to mosquito control specialist, the introduction and replenishment of Gambusia affinis (the mosquito fish) affords good control in pools, ponds, ditches, and drainage canals. However, the most widely used and environmentally sound biological agent is Bti. This larvicide became commercially available in 1978 and has become the larvicide of choice by VDCI. Bti is available in liquid, granular, and time-release formulations and poses little threat of resistance development.When mosquito larvae are detected in an area, they are preferentially controlled through the application of Bti. Dependent upon the conditions present, granular, liquid or time-release Bti formulations can be applied.
Chemical Control of Larval Mosquitoes
Chemical control of larval mosquitoes is carried out when and where biological control is not feasible. Altosid, an insect growth regulator (IGR), can be used in any mosquito-producing area where extended control is desired. These areas can be treated on a 45-150 day schedule once positive production is found. Control of mosquitoes found in tire piles throughout a municipality can be treated at 30-day intervals using Altosid. Any use of non-biological larvicides is closely monitored and mosquito species exposed are tested annually for any evidence of resistance. Chemical larvicides can be used in briquette, granular, and liquid forms depending upon treatment needs and habitat type.Larviciding can be conducted using a variety of equipment and methods. Back Pack Applicators and Spreaders can be used where vehicle access is unavailable. Tire piles, swales, retention ponds, backyards, etc. can be treated with this type of equipment. Power Sprayers and Spreaders are mounted on All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) or trucks. The holding tanks hold from 15 to 100 gallons of larvicide. These mechanisms can be used with all types of larvicide and in most habitat types, such as ditches, swales, septic ditches, etc. Parks, golf courses, and ball fields can be treated quickly when surveillance indicates the presence of mosquito larvae.
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