Skeeters; we don’t need no stinkin’ skeeters

  • Published
  • By The 319th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management section
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Controlling the mosquito population is a joint effort by both the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management section and base housing occupants. In the early spring the pest management section applied larvicide to standing water and areas where standing water is likely to gather in an effort to reduce the mosquito population before they emerge into flying adults. Once the mosquito population emerged en mass, night-time fogging operations began and continued until the mosquito population was reduced to acceptable levels as determined by the 319th Medical Group's Public Health flight through ongoing mosquito surveillance traps. In addition, when local control of mosquitoes is not possible through the efforts of the Pest Management section or when a significant public health threat exists, such as the West Nile virus, Grand Forks AFB requests additional aerial spray missions.

To gain the upper hand on the mosquitoes, the Pest Management section requests the base housing occupants review the following common problem areas around homes. These areas where mosquitoes typically breed were pulled from a mosquito management Web site. More information regarding the management of mosquitoes around your home can be found online.

· Potted plants with pans underneath that hold water are good breeding sites. Don't over water plants; remove the pan if possible or dump any unnecessary water.
· Standing water in low grassy areas, tire tracks and swales can breed mosquitoes. Fill and regrade if possible and keep grass mowed. Check under faucets.
· Roof gutters plugged with leaves hold water and mosquito larvae. This source is often missed. You will need a ladder.
· Replace the water in pet dishes every couple of days. Your pets will appreciate it, but the mosquitoes will not.
· Trash or "spare parts" and the like have lots of breeding places. Remove items or cover what cannot be thrown away.
· Old tires are a favorite of some mosquitoes. Discard tires or put in a building. If not possible, stack tires flat and cover the top of each stack.
· Unused or poorly maintained pools, particularly wading pools, will breed mosquitoes. Empty pools or flush weekly, or add disinfectant as required.
· Mosquitoes in natural or manmade ponds can be prevented by removing any vegetation or stocking with minnows
· Boats on trailers, dry dock or unused will collect water and breed mosquitoes if not covered or turned upside down. Go fishing occasionally and bail out any water in your boat.
· Bird baths, barbecue grills, ash trays and other small containers that hold water can produce favorable breeding grounds. Cover grills, overturn or remove container of flush with water at least once a week.
· Ensure window screens are in place and free of holes or tears.


In addition to reducing mosquito breeding sites you should also consider the use of an insect repellent. These repellents are available commercially and are applied to exposed skin. Always read the label thoroughly and pay special attention to instructions regarding young children. It is recommended that you use an insect repellent that contains the active ingredient deet. Insect repellent is strongly recommended if you will be outside during the hours between dusk and dawn as this is when the particular mosquito that is capable of transmitting the West Nile virus is most active.

For more information, contact the 319 CES Pest Management Section at 747-4289