Q. Why are mosquitoes controlled in the larval
state?
A. The most effective and economical method to
reduce adult mosquitoes is to prevent their emergence from as many
breeding sites as possible.
Q. Does TASD use any chemical methods of control?
A. Adult mosquitoes are controlled with two kinds
of insecticides, sumithrin and chlorpyrifos. Mosquito larvae and
pupae are controlled with either BTI, temephos, or Golden Bear
oil.
Q. Why doesn’t TASD concentrate on using
biological control methods, such as insect-eating birds?
A. TASD utilizes two biological methods to control
mosquitoes: mosquito fish and BTI (a type of non-reproducing bacteria).
Predators such as purple martins and bats have varied diets and
eat prey other than just mosquitoes. TASD does encourage home-owners
to maintain birdhouses and bat boxes.
Q. Why are mosquitoes more abundant some years
than others?
A. Year-to-year fluctuations in mosquito populations
exist due to differences in the number of eggs hatching under varying
rainfall. Frequent rainstorms create more standing water. Greater
numbers of mosquitoes are always found in uncontrolled areas.
Q. Shouldn’t TASD discontinue fogging
for adult mosquitoes since there always seems to be some that survive?
A. TASD doesn’t have the manpower or equipment
to fog all of Lucas County every night during the summer. Under
average conditions, more than 90% of the adult mosquitoes will be
killed in a given area by fogging. Unfortunately, adult mosquitoes
from uncontrolled areas may later fly into the area fogged by TASD.
Q.
How much will it cost if I call mosquito control?
A. There is no direct cost for Lucas County residents
who request mosquito control. Real estate taxes provide the funds
for the program at the rate of .248 mill (24.8 cents per $1,000
property valuation).
Q. Where do the mosquitoes come from?
A. Mosquito larvae often live in lowland "floodwaters"
or wet woods. If your premises has standing water for more than
10 days or if you know of other properties with this problem, please
contact TASD. TASD keeps records each year of mosquito-breeding
sites; there is always the chance that larviciding crews may be
missing your area.
Q. Why doesn’t TASD drain marsh and wetland
areas?
A. Due to concern for the environment, the District
does not attempt to eliminate all wetland areas. TASD does have
an ongoing program to clean permanent ditches and creeks of logjams,
blockages, and stagnant water. TASD concentrates on those areas
which will directly benefit mosquito control and doesn’t engage
in projects which will have only cosmetic value.
Q. How can I get mosquito fish for my pond?
A. Mosquito fish are available free of charge
to residents with rock garden pools, lily ponds or farm ponds. These
fish are prolific breeders and will consume great numbers of mosquito
larvae and pupae. They should not be placed with bass, bluegills,
or goldfish, since they soon become prey for the larger fish.
