Misdirection or deep misunderstanding

https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach

The greatest impact on mosquito populations will occur when they are concentrated, immobile and accessible. This emphasis focuses on habitat management and controlling the immature stages (egg, larva, and pupa) before the mosquitoes emerge as adults. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of pesticide application and minimizes the use from widespread pesticide application. Larvicides target larvae in the breeding habitat before they can mature into adult mosquitoes and disperse. Larvicide treatment of breeding habitats helps reduce the adult mosquito population in nearby areas.

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The “Twin Creeks” area was ground sprayed eight nights in a three week period. When the Environmental Services Department was asked what habitat removal and larviciding had been done in that area there answer was:  “Yes, larvicide and habitat removal have been completed this year.  Larviciding is generally considered a monthly task that is conducted throughout mosquito season.  So here we are half way through and …No, it has not been conducted in or around these specific areas.  Yes, we have gone out to evaluate some of the infrastructure in these areas.  No, we have not found any breeding in the location where we have evaluated conditions.  Therefore, no larvicide or habitat removal makes sense.”

That response was on August 24, the beginning of the third week of ground spraying of the “Twin Creeks” area and the response to the situation is “No, we have not found any breeding in the location where we have evaluated conditions.  Therefore, no larvicide or habitat removal makes sense.”  Starting into the third week of ground spraying and there are no mosquito breeding to be found.  Really?

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https://www.waco-texas.com/cms-healthdepartment/page.aspx?id=358#gsc.tab=0

A female mosquito lays up to 200 eggs at one time. It only takes 7 -14 days for an egg to hatch and become another flying mosquito. Elimination of potential mosquito breeding habitats is a critical key for mosquitos in McLennan County.

The Health District is working with McLennan County and the cities within the County to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by monitoring municipal properties for stagnant water and other potential mosquito habitats. Larvicide, debris removal and landscaping are all methods that can be used by cities to eliminate breeding sites.

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Tarrant County Reports

https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control-and-prevention/epidemiology-and-health-information/health-data-and-information/west-nile-virus/current-arbovirus-reports.html

https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control—prevention/west-nile-virus.html

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Carrie Shilling Text: 

I would be interested in working with your group to draft a revised policy that would be more protective of public health and the environment and provide more transparency to the community.

Text from Mansfield Spray Alert 9-2021

“Adult mosquito control procedures, particularly spraying of adulticides, should and will be considered a supplemental control measure of last resort”

“Personal protection and elimination of breeding habitat are the best, most cost effective means of mosquito control. Individual residents are the only ones who can ensure these steps are taken.”