The buzz about mosquitoes Published May 27, 2009 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Air Force Reserve will be supporting mosquito control operations on base this year with an aerial spraying the week of June 15. "This is a valuable resource and is a great addition to our mosquito control efforts," said Vikki Johnson, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Shop pest control supervisor. According to the entomology team, mosquito control measures have been in full swing for weeks now and include several methods of treating standing water to eliminate mosquitoes in their immature (larval) stages. "Other measures we're taking involves eliminating breeding sites when possible and protection of mosquito predators as well as control of adult mosquitoes with a fogging truck," Johnson said. The program involves high-tech equipment, including global positioning system units to accurately map breeding sites and state-of-the-art fogging equipment, coupled with old fashioned slogging through the mud to get to where the mosquitoes breed. The pest shop here uses three different products for larvae control. All are safe and effective, both for people and the environment. They are effective at killing mosquitoes, but are harmless to virtually all other aquatic organisms, including important mosquito predators. The first is "Bti" a microscopic bacteria that affects only mosquitoes. The second product, "methoprene" is an insect growth regulator that interferes with normal development into the adult stage. The third product, "Agnique" reduces the surface tension of standing water where mosquitoes breed. "Unlike most aquatic creatures, mosquitoes cannot breathe under water," Johnson said. "They come almost to the surface and breathe through a snorkel-like device. When Agnique is used, the reduced surface tension makes it impossible for mosquitoes to keep their snorkels above water and they drown." According to Johnson, larvae control on base is effective, but many adult mosquitoes infiltrate from outlying areas. This is where the fogging truck comes in. The products used (resmethrin and sumethrin) are the safest and most effective chemicals available, but because fogging involves human contact with pesticides it still should be considered as a last resort and used only when mosquitoes numbers warrant it. Base residents can assist in mosquito control efforts by checking their homes and work areas for any sources of standing water. These can include simple items like cans, tires and toys. Keep doors closed whenever possible to keep mosquitoes out and make sure all screens are in good repair. "If you need to be outside after dark, consider using insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay," Johnson said. For more information about mosquito control or other pest control issues, contact the Entomology Shop at 723-2393.