Galveston County Mosquito Control
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Galveston County Mosquito Control |
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Larva Control |
Return to Control Operations |
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use larvicides to control mosquitoes when they are in their larval or
pupal stages. Controlling mosquitoes when they are in their larval stages
is an effective approach in our mosquito control program. If we can stop
mosquitoes before they reach their adult stages then this reduces our need
to spray adulticides. It’s better to stop the source. We use several
different products. Each one is different and can be used for particular situations. Some of our products when applied will treat several
generations of larva. This cuts back on re-treatment. |
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larvicides:
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Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. israelensis (Bti) |
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Bti is a natural occurring, target specific larvicide that we use to control mosquito larva. Mosquito larvae ingest a lethal dose of Bti crystals and spores. The toxins destroy the walls of the mosquito’s stomach, paralyzing and damaging the mosquito’s digestive system. Larvae become sluggish and die within 24 hours. |
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(S) Methoprene |
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Methoprene
is an insect growth regulator that interferes with normal mosquito
development. Methoprene is absorbed through the skin of the larvae and
results in their inability to complete their metamorphosis. We currently
use three different forms of methoprene. Pellets, briquets, and liquid.
Pellets- Releases the insect regulator as they erode. Pellets can be placed when no water is present. This allows us to place pellets ahead of time in problem areas. They release effective lengths of insect growth regulator for up to 30 days under typical environmental conditions. Liquid- Diluted mixture of methoprene. This mixture is usually mixed with Bti to form Duplex. This liquid version of methoprene is only good if dispersed in water and only maintains it efficiency for a smaller period and only of water is still available.
Briquets- Larger than pellets. They are also a sustained release insect
regulator. They release the insect regulator as they erode. Since they are
larger we use smaller amounts. They are often used in treating storm
drains.
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Monomolecular Film |
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Monomolecular film spreads quickly over the surface of the water. It reduces the surface tension of the water. This makes is difficult for larvae and pupae to attach to the surface of the water. The larvae can not attach to the surface to breath, they eventually drown.
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Duplex |
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A mixture of liquid methoprene and Bti. This allows for a larger range of control. |
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