Cities small and large have adopted ordinances and resolutions controlling the spraying of toxic pesticides to control mosquitoes. These include Carrboro, North Carolina, Ft. Worth, Texas and Washington, D.C. They recognize the real possibility that childhood asthma is exacerbated by the sprays, that people with chemical sensitivities are put at grave risk and that, in fact, mosquito larvae are not attacked by these sprays.

Taking personal responsibility for controlling mosquitoes is very effective. Making sure that standing water in flowerpot basins, old tires, birdbaths, along the curb and in gutters is eliminated. This eliminates many breeding grounds in areas where the sprays never reach.

Remember, mosquitoes do not travel or fly very far. They will breed in your yard and then attack you. Wearing long sleeves in the early morning or evening hours, encouraging the movement of air with fans and even having a fish pond with gambusia fish all reduce the likelihood of your being bitten. When your yard clippings are disposed of, make sure they do not go into storm drains, another habitat favored by disease carrying mosquitoes. To learn more about what you can do in your neighborhood go to Beyond Pesticides.

Alliance for Informed Mosquito Management

The Alliance for Informed Mosquito Management (AIMM) is a national group of organizations coordinated by Beyond Pesticides seeking to protect the public and the environment from unnecessary exposure to hazardous pesticides used in the attempt to control mosquito-borne diseases. By working with communities, experts, and public officials, the Alliance informs about the hazards of mosquito pesticides and calls for the adoption of safer, least-toxic methods of managing mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile virus. Read the AIMM platform and use it to educate people in your neighborhood.

Working With Your Community

The ideal mosquito managment strategy emphasizes education, prevention and monitoring for both mosquito-borne illnesses and pesticide related illnesses.  This strategy will ensure that the use of peseticides will not add to the health problems already associated with insect-borne diseases.  Successful control of mosquito populations requires that communtiy leaders teach residents and business owners how to reduce breeding habitats and mosquito bites through strong public awareness campaigns.  To educate your community go to Public Health Mosquito Management Strategy.

Public Service Announcements

Help spread the word on preventing WNv and other mosquito-transmitted diseases. The Public Service Announcements (PSAs) can be sent to your local radio stations in text or Mp3 (right click to save) form along with the cover letter. You are welcome to add your organization on to the text version or ask the radio station to add it to the recorded version.  Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Harris County Mosquito Control

Did you know that you do not have to have the mosquito trucks spray in front of your property? Call the Harris County Mosquito Control (713-440-4800) and ask them to provide you with a form to keep your property safe from dangerous pesticides. Headaches, dizziness, and skin irritations are indications of overexposure to the District’s pesticides. Make sure the focus is on source reduction and larval control, for without them, situations may in fact be worsened. Children and pets will track the poisons into the house after spraying, which should only be done as a last resort and at night. Remember to drain all standing water from your property and use repellents that are citrus or cedar based.

Pesticide products used by Harris County Mosquito Control are malathion, Scourge and Dibron.  For information and Fact Sheets for these and other pesticides used in mosquito control, go to Beyond Pesticides.

Mosquito Misting Systems

On Labor Day 2004, the Texas Structural Pest Control Board (TSPCB) issued the following notice, LABOR DAY CONSUMER ALERT: MOSQUITO MISTING SYSTEMS Many Contractors Unlicensed; “Harmless”Pesticides Actually Potentially Toxic. The press release expresses their concern over mosquito misting, a relatively new system that is touted for insect control. Besides being detrimental to beneficial insects, the long-range implications for human health are unknown at this time. The Board’s concern is over the anticipated misuse of the misting system and the belief that it is safe.