5-19. CONTROL OF MOSQUITO BREEDING
Mosquito breeding may be eliminated or at least greatly reduced by such measures as:
Filling
Stream clearance
Larviciding
Elimination of artificial containers of water
Fluctuation of the levels of impounded waters
Removal of marginal vegetation
Intermittent drying
The introduction of certain species of fish into waters harboring mosquito
eggs and larvae.
While larval control procedures provide the most effective long-term control of
mosquitoes, they do not provide immediate control of adults, which may live up to six
weeks. It is also important, therefore, to implement stringent personal protective
measures and adult control measures when mosquito-borne diseases are present.
a. Stream Clearance. Control of mosquito breeding in marginal pools and
collections of floatage in otherwise freely running streams and canals requires that
stream margins be straightened and emergent vegetation cleared. Fill or drain marginal
pools by connecting them with the main stream.
b. Larviciding. The decision to fill, drain, or larvicide waters used as breeding
areas by mosquitoes depends entirely on local conditions, including permanency of the
installation, cost of each type of control, and funds available. Mosquito breeding areas
that cannot feasibly be filled or drained should be treated with larvicides to yield
satisfactory control. Numerous pesticide formulations are labeled for use as mosquito
larvacides.
c. Sluicing. In those areas where the anopheline vectors are stream breeders,
they may be controlled by the use of siphon dams or lift gates by which water is
impounded and then is periodically and suddenly released to flush away the larvae.
d. Drying. Where irrigation water in rice fields or canals is a source of mosquito
breeding, effective control is sometimes possible by interrupting the supply of water so
That the fields become just dry enough each week to remove the surface film of
moisture without drying the roots of the plants.
e. Water Level Fluctuation. Periodic fluctuation of water level in ponds or
reservoirs is sometimes very effective in controlling mosquito breeding by preventing
growth of shoreline vegetation favorable to the larvae.
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