Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

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A number of of so-called “bio-controls” have been released in Florida in the last few years, to help in the fight against damaging invasive plants and pest control problems. The newest insect control plan recommended by scientists, is to release squadrons of genetically modified male mosquitoes into an area of Key West FL, that is a known haven for a species of yard-dwelling mosquitoes.

The mosquito species being targeted, is also the primary transmitter of dengue, a nasty, flu-like illness that sickens approximately 50 million people; annually. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal and there is no known treatment.The illness re-emerged in the Key West area in 2009, with 27 cases reported, the first recorded in the continental United States, since 1945. Another 66 cases were confirmed last year. Thankfully there have been none so far this year (2011), however there is additional evidence that suggests dengue is spreading, and so are the mosquitoes.

In this innovative application of “bio-controls,” considered the first of its kind in the United States, experts and scientists hope that lab-bred insects will mate with wild females, and pass on a defect built into their DNA; that kills their offspring. It is believed that this insect control approach is cheaper, more effective and more environmentally friendly, than any other method of targeting disease carriers, like these mosquitoes.

Unlike traditional insecticides and pesticides, which produce unwanted collateral insect damage and pose environmental and health concerns, these genetically modified or “transgenic” male mosquitoes; pose no threat to humans or other species. The biggest obstacle facing this natural pest control approach, is that there is no existing set of rules in place to regulate the genetically altered mosquitoes. As such, state agriculture officials must continue to consult with attorneys and other agencies, in an exhausting effort to decide who should review and approve the plan; before it is put into action.

Related articles

• You: Injecting mosquitoes with bacteria could stop dengue fever, scientists find (guardian.co.uk)
• Group Proposes Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Dengue (damontucker.com)
• Without some basic science, GM mosquitoes won’t bite (blogs.discovermagazine.com)

Manitoba Health concludes that the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes,  mosquitoes known for carrying the West Nile Virus, are beginning to increase. The adult mosquito population is contingent on weather and pest control remedies. The weather will determine if their is enough moisture for the mosquitoes to reproduce. If the temperatures stay hot, and rains decline, allowing for  groundwater levels to fall then the normal water puddles and pools will dry kiling off the mosquitoes’ offspring. Pest control actions we take around our homes and properties to eliminate or treat stagnant waters used by mosquitoes will also determine severity of mosquito bites.  Quick tip, Mosquito Dunks are one of the best pest solutions for controlling mosquitoes in water bodies found around homes and property. As mosquitoes often don’t fall under the normal pest control service protection plans, you will want to apply these remedies yourself.

Mosquitoes do pose a health risk.  In fact, Salt Lake is reporting that mosquitoes in Utah county are indeed infected with West Nile virus, and while there are no infected humans at this point individuals should use repellent. Bug spray is especially important to apply after sunset, when mosquitoes carrying West Nile emerge.  Of the 2008 incidents in Utah none were fatal, and of 2007 incidents 2 were fatal.

So for your own safety: USE BUG REPELLENT WHEN OUTDOORS.

Have you ever been outside with friends and feel like you were the only one being bitten or attacked by mosquitoes?

Recent studies have shown that there is truly a significance behind these experiences and it has to do with the fact that mosquitoes are attracted to certain specifics characteristics of their human host.  Well lets think about it.  Female mosquitoes in order to reproduce relish at the opportunity to drink your blood.  Mosquitoes have been around for thousands of years and have developed some skill at determining whose blood is good for withdrawal.

I recently watched a scientist talking about these studies state why mosquitoes may be biting your friend and not you.  Mosquitoes are attracted to clean smelling, bigger proportioned, dark haired humans.  This is truly what the guy on television said.  After researching this a little bit further I learned that humans give off various odors that we are not sensitive to.  I guess even our blood has a certain odor to it.  Mosquitoes which are naturally sensitive to these odors have developed preferences for their prey.

Basically the study is saying that mosquitoes are attracted to clean, big, and dark haired persons because they are easy to locate.  The bigger you are the more heat you give off.  The bigger you are the more carbon dioxide you may generally emit.  I guess mosquitoes are able to see dark colors better than light colors.  Clean persons with good hygiene…smell good…can you blame them?

Controlling Mosquitoes

— Throw out all trash that can hold water, such as tin cans, jars and old tires.

— Clean out rain gutters; be certain no water remains on flat roofs after rains.

— Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

— Clean out and fill in tree holes with concrete.

— Stock decorative ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish.

— Empty children’s wading pools weekly.

— Fill in or drain low areas in your yard.

— Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.

Source: Knox County Health Department

Prevent Mosquito Bites

— Avoid places and times when mosquitoes commonly bite — dusk and dawn.

—  Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas. Keep pant legs tucked into boots or socks.

— Make sure your insect repellent contains DEET, Picardin or Lemon of Eucalyptus. Generally, repellent with 30 percent DEET works best for adults. A lower concentration is recommended for children. Contact your child’s physician before using repellent on infants.

Source: Knox County Health Department