Experts give ways to beat back bugs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  With environmental conditions becoming more favorable for a growing population of mosquitoes, military and community agencies are gearing up to combat these biting insects.

Moody's 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Flight, the 23rd Medical Group and the City of Valdosta Public Works Department recently began seasonal procedures to control the various breeds of mosquitoes.

The program, known as Integrated Mosquito Management, is a strategic method to minimize and eliminate mosquitoes, preventing the spread of disease, said Staff Sgt. Richard Mauldin, 23rd CES pest management NCO in-charge.

The most prevalent diseases that mosquitoes carry in Georgia are the West Nile Virus, Dengue fever, yellow fever and malaria.

Multiple methods of control are used but the most effective ways are redesigning structures to prevent the collection of breeding water through engineering, eliminating food sources through sanitation, emptying water containers and breeding areas through education and using several chemicals to kill mosquitoes up to adulthood.

The base entomology team works in conjunction with the 23rd MDG Public Health, who monitors mosquito populations by setting carbon dioxide survey traps that attract them.

"We need to control the population of these insects because they can spread diseases quickly," said Airman 1st Class Andrea Kearse, 23rd MDG public health technician. "The more mosquitoes there are, the higher chance of someone being infected."

Once the mosquito count exceeds a certain number, the entomology team is given the signal to start their techniques.

"Usually in the mornings or evenings, we begin releasing the pesticides around base, especially areas where there are high counts," said Sergeant Mauldin. "We use enough chemicals to kill these insects without harming our environment."

For the Airmen who live off-base, the City of Valdosta protects its citizens from mosquito-borne diseases through its Public Works department, which uses spraying trucks and a larvicide program.

"The city operates the spraying program five days a week at dusk," said John Whitehead III, Valdosta deputy city manager of operations. "We also have a partnership with Valdosta State University to test mosquitoes each week for viruses that may be harmful to the general public and domestic animals."

Though the city and the base entomologists are working hard to control mosquitoes, Airmen can do several things to prevent the insects from breeding.

"The best advice is to eliminate any kind of standing water," said Sergeant Mauldin. "Cover any puddles with dirt and dump out water that has been collected after rainy days.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, wear long, loose and light-colored clothing and use insect repellent with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 perfect for children.

For more information, call 257-3160.