Learn to identify moth and mosquito life stages-proper control requires proper identification. Report gypsy moth and mosquito infestations to the program office. Attract natural predators such as birds, toads, bats, and spiders to your yard-they will help reduce gypsy moth and mosquito populations by feeding on these pests. Weed Control Ensures that properties are mowed and maintained which reduces mosquito hiding places. Drainage Control Removes debris that prevents water from flowing properly in drains and easements which reduces the standing water required for mosquitoes to breed.
Mosquito treatment is triggered by citizen requests or by light trap data.
Following a citizen request or a light trap catch of greater than 13 females per night, staff members conduct a site visit to determine what actions should be taken to address the problem. During the site visit contact is made with the requesting citizen if possible, pre-treatment larval dips are conducted, minor drainage maintenance occurs, referrals are made to the county s drainage office if large scale drainage maintenance is necessary, and a treatment recommendation is made. When larvaciding is recommended it is accomplished through the application of Bacillus thuringiensis v. israeliensis briquettes, granules and liquid to aquatic breeding areas. When adulticiding is recommended it is accomplished through the application of anvil from truck-mounted sprayers in the form of a fine mist. Anvil is of low toxicity to people but it is a chemical pesticide and direct contact should be minimized.