Receding Midwest Floodwaters Shine Renewed Importance on Effective Mosquito Control and Education Efforts
June 23 2008 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Cooperative approach between government, residents minimizes public
health risk in wake of disaster SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 23
/PRNewswire/ -- Mosquitoes, pesky insects that have prospered since
prehistoric times, are an interesting species. The average adult
life span of a female is three to 100 days, and she can lay up to
300 eggs at a time and thousands in her lifetime. Eggs can lay
dormant and viable for months, and up to 100 or more mosquitoes can
emerge per square foot of water per day in a good breeding habitat.
These facts are noteworthy as public health officials and residents
in seven Midwestern states brace for potential health and
environmental ramifications due to the effects of widespread
flooding. As the aftermath becomes a reality and mosquito
populations explode, it is important for residents and public
health departments to implement cooperative programs for effective
mosquito control. Government agencies and municipalities are
scrambling to determine whether their existing plans will stop
development of millions of larvae currently spawning over hundreds
of thousands of acres of standing water. In tandem with government
efforts, residents of all affected areas can assume responsibility
for minimizing the impact the potentially harmful insects have in
their own backyards. John Neberz of Schaumburg, Ill.-based Central
Life Sciences, whose founders invented insect growth regulator
technology more than 30 years ago, said, "As was demonstrated
during the last extensive Midwest flood in 1993, residual
floodwater produces many habitats where mosquitoes thrive." "Each
public health department in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin is tailoring its own program
based on the community's needs," he said. "They are concerned about
increased populations and the well being of residents and realize
that mosquito breeding will be an issue throughout summer and into
fall." Many areas that have standing water are highly susceptible
to continued puddling and mosquito breeding because the already
saturated ground won't be able to accommodate additional rainfall.
Neberz said, "We see increased use of larvicide products, which
communities put into sewer basins and other standing water
locations, after heavy rains and flooding. Larviciding, which
prevents adult mosquitoes from hatching, is an environmentally
responsible solution that controls both nuisance mosquitoes and
those that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus." What can
the public do immediately to take responsibility for minimizing
mosquitoes as floodwaters recede? According to the American
Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several important
steps: -- Remove residual standing water as soon after floodwaters
dissipate as possible, including in areas such as old tires,
recycling containers, bird baths, boats and canoes, pool covers and
tree stumps -- As soon as possible, mow grass to facilitate the
drying of the ground and minimize above ground water retention --
While outside, cover skin with DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon-
Eucalyptus repellant as a precaution -- Wear light colored, loose
fitting clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when
outdoors -- If possible, schedule activities to avoid the times
when mosquitoes are most active -- usually dawn and dusk -- Support
community based mosquito programs that aim to educate and inform
residents about how to come together to address the issue.
"Obviously, communities devastated by these horrendous floods will
be facing difficult situations and will have a lot to deal with,"
Neberz said. "This cooperative effort between residents and their
local governments will go a long way in keeping mosquito
populations in check." About Central Life Sciences Central Life
Sciences is a strategic business unit of Central Garden & Pet
(NASDAQ:CENT). Central Life Sciences is dedicated to creating
healthier environments and making life better for people, plants
and companion animals around the world. As inventors of insect
growth regulator (IGR) technology more than 30 years ago, the
founders of Central Life Sciences pioneered biorational pest
control: using the insect's chemistry as a means to reduce pest
populations. For information about Central Life Sciences call
1-800-248-7763 or visit online at
http://www.centrallifesciences.com/. DATASOURCE: Central Life
Sciences CONTACT: Blair Ciecko, +1-708-655-2045, , for Central Life
Sciences Web site: http://www.centrallifesciences.com/
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