Historical 1979 health column, reprinted from City Side. Its pesticide safety assertions and instructions are statements in the original source, not current medical or pesticide-use guidance.
THE MOSQUITO PROBLEMin the St. Louis area has always been one of considerable magnitude because there are many ideal breeding areas, such as temporary rain pools caused by wet springs and summers, creeks and streams, marshes, pools and storm sewers.
This year may even be more of a challenge to the St. Louis Health Division’s mosquito control program because of the flood conditions. We can expect a larger than normal mosquito population if these flood water conditions continue. Flood water mosquitos are vicious biters, even in the daytime, but fortunately, they are not involved in the transmission of any disease in St. Louis.
THE CONTROL PROGRAM consists of three main parts: (1) larvaciding, (2) adulticiding (fogging), and (3) surveillance. The success of the mosquito abatement program depends upon knowing all species of mosquitos that are found in the St. Louis area, the habits of each particular species, and the appropriate method of control for each life stage. Such information is kept current by the entomologist in charge of the control program.
Measures for control consist of collecting various mosquito species from light traps, daytime resting areas, and from the skin of mosquito control employees while the mosquito is in the proess of biting. Mosquito larvae will also be collected from water. These samples will then be examined and identified as to species so as to obtain a better understanding of the mosquito population.
The larvaciding program is directed toward the control of the immature (larval) mosquito. This program is important because only the adult mosquito is involved in the transmission of disease, and control of the larval mosquito is easier and generally more effective than control measures involving the adult mosquito. All mosquito larva require water for development, and their control is accomplished by applying the proper insecticide to the water. There were approximately 31,000 such treatments made in 1978 for the control of the larval mosquito.
The adulticiding program consists of applying insecticide in the evening hours for the control of the adult mosquito. Ultra-low volume mosquito foggers, mounted on trucks, apply a fine spray of Malathion insecticide through the air. Malathion is an organic phosphate and is extremely safe, even when used in concentrated form, and has been found to be highly effective in the control of mosquitos as well as a wide range of other insect pests. During 1978, Health Division mosquito-fogging trucks operated a total of 54 nights in the City of St. Louis. Spraying is done primarily on a complaint basis, after it has been determined that mosquitos are present and should be eliminated.
COMPLAINTS regarding mosquito infestation in outside areas are investigated and control measures applied if found to be necessary. However, there are no treatments for the interior of buildings.
Citizens can assist in the Health Division’s Mosquito Control Program by eliminating standing pools of water on their premises, checking for standing water in tin cans, bottles, old automobile tires, etc. Water in bird baths or ornamental pools should be cleaned out and replaced with fresh water at least weekly. Use a good insect repellant when outdoors during the mosquito season, and make sure all screens are in good repair and fit tightly. If you feel that a mosquito problem exists in your neighborhood, control services can be obtained by calling 622-3381.
Originally published in The Paper, June 1979.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1979_06.pdf, printed page(s) 12; PDF page(s) 12.
