The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1926-04-22
SUGGESTION FOR MosoulTo CONTROL


Mosquito eradication is being widely discussed
in Key West and throughout the state But mere
discussion has never been known to slay one
mosquito. Decision and action should follow dis
eussion
70 abate the mosquito nuisance on the main
land Of Florida would be tremendous problem,
difficult Of solution and extremely expensive. But
to control the mosquito situation in Key West alone
would be simple matter, easy of accomplishment
and At slight expense.
The mosquito cannot terminate in salt water.
There are no bodies of fresh water large or small,
Oh or near the Island Of Key West. Consequently
the only breeding places for the mosquito here
the insufficently screened cisterns old bottles, tin
cans and other receptacles that hold rain water,
and accumulations Of leaves and trash that retain
the moisture produced by rains. Supporting these
eleims is the fact that during long spells of dry
weather in Key West the mosquito almost disap-
pears; then eight days after rain they are very
evident.
III The thing to do Is to see to it that all els
terms are properly and sufficiently screened, all
old bottles and tin cans destroyed, and the hum
dreds Of heaps Of rubbish removed from the back
ysrds In this city.
One plan by which this could be accomplished
ii few days, with very little effort and at prac
ticslly no expense to the city, would be to let
these local civic organizations that guard so well
fhs interests of Key West, appoint a sufficient
number Of their members on a committee to COM
pstely this city, street by street. and inspect
ths cisterns and yards. including unoccupied prop
efty and vacant lots, and report their findings to
the city council 1t might take one or two en-
with sufficiently large committee the task can
easily be accomplished in day or so. It is al
most sure that the city would welcome this valuable
cid from its patriotic citizens, and would heartily
cooperate in the movement
There have been in time past number of
drives and campaigns put over in Key West in prac-
tically this same way, and no other movement has
been as highly important to the health and welfare
Of the city as is this one-for the control of the
mosquito situation.
With this voluntary survey carefully and fully
completed, the reports could then be turned over
to the proper city officials with the understanding
that every unfayorable report ii to be carefully
looked after. and III remarkably short time every
place ii the entire city where the mosquito could
possibly terminate win have been completely eli
minated, and Key West win be free of mosquitoes
is long as this condition is maintained.
People who have made close study Of this
dreaded and detested pest. the mosquito claim that
Il never strays far from its immediate point of
termination. II Is also well known fact that the
average life Of the mosquito is very brief; so if
high winds at times should blow clouds Of them
from Stock Island to Key West as is claimed by
many local people, they would soon disappear be-
cause Of the absence Of breeding places
Here seems to be real opportunity for some
live local civic organization, or any. number OF
them combined, to render patriotic and invalu-
able service to their home city. and just at time
when It Is most urgently needed;