Purdue University
Agricultural Extension Service
Entomology Department
Mimeo E-26
April 1949
Rev. April 1954 (1M)
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Twenty-five years ago a statement, appropriate today, was made by Samuel Hopkins Adams, which read, "The mosquito is 100 percent a detriment, It is a public nuisance and a private torment. It is a danger to health, a depreciator of real estate, a drawback to industry and an economic liability. Elimination of it is not only cheap, but actually profitable."
The Problem. Although mosquitoes are not major factors as carriers of human disease in Indiana, they are serious as annoying pests and oftentimes prevent enjoyment of the out-of-doors and outdoor amusements and recreation places.
The Survey. The first consideration in inaugurating a mosquito control program is a survey of mosquito breeding spots, such as swamps, ditches and stagnant streams, water-retaining low spots, storm sewer traps, etc. Such a survey will materially aid in determining where treatments are to be made and the amount of labor and materials necessary to take care of the situation. The Junior Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimists, Lions, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, womens' clubs and church clubs have all been influential in inaugurating and developing control programs.
Funds to conduct a successful campaign are essential. Frequently, appropriations are available from -the city and county administrations, as well as from the various cooperating agencies. It is also desirable to raise part of the funds by house-to-house solicitation, following a program of publicity and education, A small contribution of a dollar per family will materially aid the campaign and insure the interest of every contributor.
Essentials in Conducting a Survey, One who has had the training to identify the different kinds of mosquitoes and their larvae and who understands the life histories, habits and breeding places of the different species is important and almost necessary in large mosquito control projects. Men qualified for this detailed type of work are rarely available in small or medium-sized cities, although professional services are obtainable. Little can be given to aid the novice in identifying species of larvae and adults, but a brief summary of the life history of habits of mosquitoes in general may be helpful.
The development of mosquitoes always takes place in water. but the type of breeding place varies with the species of mosquito. Among the common types of breeding places are flood waters, woodland waters, slowly moving streams and ditches where the water is sluggish. They also breed in ponds and small lakes, especially along the borders where water plants grow, permitting quiet water and where mosquito larvae-feeding fish do not have ready access. Tree cavities, and artificial containers, such as rain barrels, garden pools, bird baths, old tires, cans and sewer traps are used as breeding spots.