Bay County Mosquito Control spring spraying continues. Ruth Russell and Ryan Krager collect water samples and check for mosquito larvae while Jim Hughes, left, and David Ross prepare to spray a non-toxic larvicide oil on Baxman Rd, Monitor Twp.
Mosquito Control Treatments Underway Throughout Bay County
Aerial Spraying Completed; Foot Crews Working on Small Woodlots
April 21, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
Thomas J. Putt, Director of Bay County Mosquito Control, says his department has completed its 2010 aerial treatment of seasonally flooded woodlots in Bay County.
Bay County Mosquito Control implements a treatment program for control of mosquito larvae. The week-long treatment, that normally starts in mid-April began last week and was completed early this week.
Now foot crews are spraying woodlots in various locations throughout the county, said a department official.
According to Mr. Putt, many species are vectors of both LaCrosse encephalitis and dog heartworm and at least one, Aedes Canadensis, has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Left uncontrolled, the mosquitoes would emerge as biting adults in mid-May and many would survive through early August.
Bay County Mosquito Control utilized one helicopter and two airplanes to apply a naturally-occurring soil bacterium control material, known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). Bti is specific to mosquito and black fly larvae, causing quick mortality to both. Bti will quickly and effectively eliminate mosquito larvae, while posing little harm to wildlife, fish, beneficial insects, vegetation, pets and humans. And because it's environmentally compatible and ideal for use in cities, suburbs, recreational areas and environmentally-sensitive locations.
The following habitats may be treated: artificial containers, cross country drains, flooded fields, flood plains, flooded woodlots, idle swimming pools, ponds, pickle vats, roadside ditches, sewage lagoons, tires, and tree holes.
Outdoor public recreation areas (i.e. campgrounds, rest areas, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields) may also be treated to reduce the mosquito population. Method of application may include hand-held spreaders, hand-held pressure sprayers, or truck-mounted ultra-low volume cold aerosol foggers.
The primary goal of the program is to protect the public health from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. In order to reach this objective, we strive to reduce mosquito populations to tolerable levels, which helps decrease the risk of mosquito-borne disease and nuisance mosquito species to the citizens and visitors of our county.
The cornerstone of the mosquito control program is the biology department, whose main function is to determine timing and priority of treatment based on larval and adult mosquito surveys.
The biology department also provides an extensive disease surveillance network coordinated through the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University, and Michigan Department of Community Health to monitor mosquito-borne diseases. Female mosquitoes and blood samples from house sparrows (a natural indicator of mosquito-transmitted disease) are tested for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and West Nile Virus (WNV).
Furthermore dead American Crows and Blue Jays are tested in-house and at MSU's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health for WNV infection. The program controls immature and adult mosquitoes by seeking out and eliminating breeding sites and by using biological controls and insecticides.
In addition to responding to citizen requests, the department also initiates mosquito surveillance before the occurrence of summer festivals and community events - attendance at which exceeds one-half million. Nearly half of these people are Bay County tourists.
All residents and property owners can assist by eliminating breeding sites, such as stagnant water collecting anywhere on their property. Bay County Mosquito Control is designed to promote a safe and healthy environment for county residents.
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