Remember, several alternatives to conventional chemical larvicides have been developed because of concerns about applying chemicals to water that might be used for drinking or that contains fish and other aquatic life. If larval control fails, adult mosquito control may be necessary. Adult control generally is done with insecticide applications using ground equipment or aircraft. Mosquitoes are strong fliers, so adult control is most effective if it is done over a large area or on a community basis. Because of the environmental hazards associated with wide-area insecticide applications, it is important for the community to agree on the criteria used to decide when a treatment is necessary.
Some communities decide to spray when there is a threat of mosquito-transmitted disease.
Others base their decisions on tourism considerations. Whatever the criteria, it is important to avoid routine spraying that does not take into account the amount of actual mosquito activity and the life cycle of the insect. This results in needless, expensive applications that may result in environmental contamination. Although mosquitoes can be serious pests in Colorado, there are several effective means of controlling them in the community and around the home. Mosquito management is most effective when all available control measures are integrated into a community-wide mosquito management program.