What's all the the buzz about mosquitos and wetlands
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This document summarizes a workshop on monitoring vernal pools and discusses myths and facts about mosquitoes. It dispels myths that wetlands breed tons of mosquitoes, that purple martins and bat houses will control mosquitoes, and that bug zappers and aerial pesticide spraying are effective control methods. Instead, it explains that healthy wetland ecosystems with diverse predator populations naturally keep mosquito numbers in check. It also provides tips for homeowners to reduce mosquitoes near their property.
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What's all the the buzz about mosquitos and wetlands
- 1. Vernal Pool What’s all the Buzz Monitoring about Mosquitoes Workshop and Wetlands April 9, 2011 Ray Stewart, Friends of Wetlands www.fowl.org 1
- 2. FOWL Mission Education Public Policy Citizen Science www.fowl.org 2
- 3. Mosquito Myth Buster Let’s see what we know and what we believe to be true about mosquitoes. Are wetlands at fault for mosquito problems? www.fowl.org 3
- 4. Mosquito as vector for WNV www.fowl.org 4
- 5. Mosquitoes as Vectors Panama canal French efforts were construction was halted by disease slowed by lack of 20,000 died healthy workers infected with Under U.S. Efforts Yellow Fever and 32,000 patients/yr. Malaria Thousands died www.fowl.org 5
- 6. The Most Dangerous Predator Best known for Responsible for: spreading deadly An estimated 2-3 malaria, also million fatalities a spread year. elephantiasis, yellow fever, dengue fever and West Nile virus, www.fowl.org 6
- 7. Manitoba Mosquito Monument www.fowl.org 7
- 8. 1. Mosquitoes are worthless vile creatures •Mostly feed on nectar •Food source for wildlife •Protein rich www.fowl.org 8
- 9. 2. Wetlands breed tons of mosquitoes Healthy Wetlands Diverse ecology = fewer mosquitoes Predators include: frogs, snakes, fish, crayfish, dragonflies, damselflies, water striders, water spiders, backswimmers, predaceous diving beetles and salamanders www.fowl.org 9
- 10. 3. Purple Martins will take care of the mosquito problem. Eat few mosquitoes 10 minute opportunity Advertising hype www.fowl.org 10
- 11. 4. Build a bat house in your yard and your mosquito problems are over. 0.7% of diet Opportunistic Prefer moths, beetles, leafhoppers. www.fowl.org 11
- 12. 5. Bug Zappers will control mosquitoes in your yard 6.4% mosquito Half are male Harmless night flying insects electrocuted www.fowl.org 12
- 13. 6. Mosquitoes Carry West Nile virus Some Culex spp. 100+ spp. In US do not Culex spp. are cavity breeders www.fowl.org 13
- 14. 7. Aerial Pesticide Spray and Fogging Are Effective Mosquito Control Programs Adulticides least effective Indiscriminate Genetic resistance www.fowl.org 14
- 15. 8. The Citrosa Plant repels mosquitoes Citronella Geranium Releases on contact Short range www.fowl.org 15
- 16. How to control mosquitoes near your home: Dispose of unwanted tin cans and tires. Clean clogged roof gutters and drain flat roofs. Flush sump-pump pits weekly. sump- Stock ornamental pools with fish. Change water in birdbaths, fountains, and troughs twice a week. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; when not regularly used, they should be emptied. Turn over unused wading pools and other containers that tend to collect rainwater. Cover containers tightly with window screen or plastic when storing rainwater for garden use during drought periods. www.fowl.org 16
- 17. - food webs - nutrient transformations - soil formation - biodiversity - habitat diversity