APRIL 20, 2016
With the anticipated explosion of Zika Virus disease in our un-immunized (by prior infection; there is no vaccine) US population, control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the vectors for Zika virus, is paramount. These mosquitoes use both natural and artificial water-holding containers for hatching larvae (more often small containers). I will list options as comprehensively as possible.
Mosquito Larva Control
1. Water-holding containers that cannot be dumped, covered, or discarded should be treated with long-lasting larvicide,
- Chemical: temephos
- Biological: Bacillus thruingiensis var. israelensis, Spinosad, Methoprene (granules or briquets), pyriproxyfen, Diflubenzuron, Navaluron
- Monomolecular films and oils
2. Eliminate larval habitats within 100-200 yards around a home.
3. Breeding sites: cavities in fence poles, trees, bricks
Uneven floors and roofs
Clogged gutters
Air-Conditioner trays
Tires
Storm drains
Water meters
Public wells
Septic tanks
Bird baths (change water each week)
Flower pots (store upside down)
Fire pits (drain them)
Children’s wading pools
City storm drains (near your home)
Buckets
Children’s toys
Adult Mosquito Control
Environmental
- Mosquito misting systems (pyrethrin)
- Air curtains (outdoors)
- Portable traps (Mosquito Magnet trap)
- ThermaCell Mosquito Repellent Patio Lantern
- Insecticide spraying of plants/ outdoor surfaces (effective 4-6 weeks)- pest control companies
- Assure tight-fitting screens, doors
- Air-Conditioning
- Repair/ correct low-lying water-pooling areas (ditches, ground ruts)
Bug Bite Prevention
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks
- Avoid tight clothes
- Darkly-colored clothes
- Avoid perfume and after-shave
- treat (or purchase) clothing or permethrin
- Insect repellents on exposed skin: DEET (> 30%), incaridin (> 20%); lemon eucalyptus extract (> 30%)
- DEET/ picardin OK with pregnancy
- Mosquito bed-netting (treated with permethrin)
NOTE: International Medicine Center (9230 Katy Freeway Suite 400, Houston, TX 77055) stocks top-of-the-line clothing and skin insect repellents directed at the most demanding situations–travel in health-hostile areas of the world where a mosquito bite can mean life-threatening malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, or chikungunya fever.
IMC also carries mosquito bed-netting, all real-time available and at the best pricing in town. If you are interested in purchasing any of these products, contact us. Our staff will be pleased to meet you at your car pulled up to the main entrance of our building (Spring Valley Medical Plaza), if you have pre-paid and call pre-arrival.
Ed Rensimer, MD