March 19, 2006

By: Kyle Smits
Website: http://www.1st-in-mosquito-control.com

City responds to West Nile Virus threat

As a preventive measure, in response to the West Nile Virus, the City of Auburn has increased its mosquito control efforts. Beginning Monday, the City of Auburn Environmental Services Department will begin use of a mosquito mister. Residential areas will be sprayed based on the City’s garbage, trash, and recycling collection schedule. For example, if your garbage is collected on Monday, spraying will take place on Monday evening between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions:


How is the City of Auburn controlling mosquitoes?

The City of Auburn has maintained a mosquito control program for many years that has included inspection of potential breeding sites for mosquitoes and informing residents of ways to reduce the mosquito population. In addition, the City frequently sprays along creek beds, behind residences (at the owners’ request), and larvicide all retention ponds that contain water. The City is currently implementing a mosquito mister program. The misting program will apply insecticides as an ultra low volume spray. 

What insecticides are used to mist for mosquitoes and is it harmful to my health?

The insecticide that will be used is Anvil®. It is used around inlets, creeks, swamps and marshes, and in residential and recreational areas where adult mosquitoes are present. Anvil has been used for many years to help control adult mosquito populations. It provides a fast knockdown of adult mosquitoes. Some individuals may be particularly sensitive to insecticides. Therefore, these individuals may chose to take precautions including staying indoors and closing windows and doors during spraying, and also turning off (or set it to circulate indoor air) fans and air conditioners before spraying begins.

Will Anvil harm the finish on my car and/or house?

The ingredients of Anvil are not considered corrosive or staining and therefore should not cause chemical harm to the finish of a car and/or house.

Will the City of Auburn mist for mosquitoes when I’m out taking a walk?

The best time to kill mosquitoes by misting is at dusk, when they are most active and looking for food. The mist primarily targets flying mosquitoes, which is why the City of Auburn has selected to spray between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Individuals who walk should consider rescheduling their walk time on evenings when spraying is scheduled in their area.

If the City of Auburn has been misted for mosquitoes, are all mosquitoes in my area eliminated?

Misting will kill only part of the mosquitoes in your area for a few days. Misting does not prevent mosquitoes from re-entering the area. Consequently, individuals should always use personal protection when mosquitoes are present.

How often does the City of Auburn plan to use the mosquito mister in my neighborhood?

Your neighborhood will be sprayed once a week through the end of September 2002. Thereafter, the City will mist as needed and will post signage to notify residents. In cases of rain, your neighborhood will be sprayed the following day between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. 

What other precautions can you take to reduce your exposure to insecticides?

· Individuals may consider remaining inside while the City is misting. However there are no re-entry precautions or limitations for Anvil. It degrades rapidly in the environment and is biodegradable.

· Bring pets inside to avoid direct contact with the insecticide. 

· Individuals should also consider rinsing homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

· Bring laundry and toys inside before spraying begins.

· Cover tables and play equipment or spray them off with water after they have been sprayed.

How to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes?

· Wear mosquito repellent to reduce the risk of being bitten.

· Protect yourself with loose fitting tightly woven clothing.

· Dispose of unused containers that collect water in your yard such as buckets, cans, bottles, or jars.

· Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and keep drains and gutters unclogged so that water does not collect in these areas.

· Change the water and scrub the sides of birdbaths, animal troughs, and pet watering dishes frequently to eliminate mosquito eggs.

· Properly discard unused tires, make holes in them, or store them in a covered area so that water cannot collect in them.

· Turn wheelbarrows, tubs, children’s wading pools, and boats upside down or store them under cover when not in use.

· Keep weeds, vines, and grass trimmed since mosquitoes use these shady areas as resting places during hot daylight hours.

· Fill tree holes with sand or mortar so that water does not collect in them.

Also see: infected mosquito bites

Author Notes:

Kyle Smits contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-mosquito-control.com.  Find mosquito control products, repellent sprays, traps, netting and other alternative measures for protection.