The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-06-14
MOSQUITO ENGINEERING.
New York Times

new 1Ofk Times.
| The most promising Indication of ulti-
mate success in the war against the mos
quito is found in the fact that those who
are effecting the redemption of neigh
borhoods are doing so by sound engineer
ing methods and along the lines of per
manent sanitary Improvement. The adj
mitted efficacy of crude petroleum In
killing the larvea of the mosquito when
in contact encouraged the belief that the
problem Of mosquito determination was
much simpler than it really is. Too much
was expected of it. The measure Of bene-
fit resulting from it was not great enough
in many instances to encourage perserver-
ance, and it looked for a time as if the
spasmodic enthusiasm awakened by the
sanitary inspector with his barrel of oil
and his watering pot had given place to
the apathy with which communities en-
dure what they have learned to regard
as impossible of correction.
A new and more useful interest in the
redemption of neighborhoods from the
curse of the mosquito is being awakened
by students of the problem who, distrust-
ing everything like empiricism. are ue-
veloping what may be called the science
of mosquito engineering. An excellent ex-
ample of work of this character is de-
'scribed in monograph entitled Mos
quito determination in Practice" pub
llshed by the Board of Health Of Law
renee, L. l., which every one for whom
the problem has interest may study with
profit. To rid Lawrence Of mosquitoes it
became evident that two distinct pro-
blems must be dealt with: that of the
domestic insect-Cuhx pipiens, including
the malaria bearing variety-Culex
anopheles, calling for one method of at
tack, and that Of the marsh MOSQUITO
Culex misunderstanding very differ
ent treatment. For the existence of the
domestic mosquito it is now known that
no other excuse exists than the careless
ness of the householder in toleratine- rain
barrels, drainage bitches, discarded uten-
sis, like vegetable cans, paint kegs and
the like capable of holding rain water II
may, however, and usually does, need an
expert to point out the danger of condi-
tons so familiar that they are overlooked
by those who suffer from them. To rid
an isolated house of the Culex pipiens IS
rarely difficult and never expensive.
The malaria-ea carrying anopheles are bred
along the edges of ponds, especially those
overhung by trees and invaded by roots
The only thorough and permanent rene
dy for them is to drain such ponds and
ill up their basins.
In dealing with the marsh-bred mos
comprehensive
plans Of local Improvement are necessary.
The Lawrence experiments to this end
are interesting and instrutive Mos
quitos are not bred in salt marshes nor
within the high and low water levels of
the ordinary tides Their favorite hab.
ltat appears to be along the upper edges
Of such marshes, reached only by the
Spring tides, and where the standing wa
ter is at most slightly brackish Such
pools contain the "wigglers,' which in.
clude the larvae and pupae of the soIic-
tans in numbers beyond computatiop
Observations at Lawrence led to the IN.
teresting generalization that tbe,y arc
never found below the normal high tido
level, and never in pools which. bevond
The reach Of Spring tides, are herman
entity fresh. The method Of TREATING 49,
breeding grounds with petroleum y,as
ried, but it was expensive and ~ tr,,
rs
% open every pool and pocket along the
-dge OF the uplands 10 every normal
lluinal tide. This rs effected by ditchinr
which permits the salt water 10 have ~
'ess TO the entire area of the marsh Tho
esults OF the work already completed ana
'efy satisfactory, Not ono breed le poel
AN be found where formerly tberc 49,.
hundreds When The entire system ~
leht' tor the extensive marsh areas ann
ouhalng the town e completed cd total
oat 81 less Than $1,000 it is believed witb
.oaa fcaaon Chat Lawrence win 80 pfar
really Tree from further trouble ham
'"uuilo. ln Few locations would 49,
'nhlem have Hermrd m9fa banrla. ai E
ffiHiar'off sulufan We commend ~.
imif#hie tHwtnnee fHmH rs Hhe a8s
milpn "a i0Hn authorities