Ellsworth works to repel mosquitoes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As a result of recent storms and flooding, certain areas of the base became affected by standing water. In response, Ellsworth is taking an offensive stance against mosquitoes who deposit larvae into these water pools by treating them with pest-repellent larvicide.

"We [the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron] treat for mosquitoes regularly, but the unusual amount of rainfall so far this year prompted the need for extra treatment," said Ken Grimes, 28 CES pest management superintendent. "One female mosquito can produce in excess of 300 offspring."

The larvicide, administered to the water in the form of briquettes, is done so based on larvae surveys conducted by Mr. Grimes and members of the 28th Medical Group Public Health office.

"Once a survey has been conducted and larvae are found, pest management places one briquette for up to 100 square feet of standing water; this will repel the mosquitoes from the treated area for approximately 30 days," Mr. Grimes said. "These surveys are conducted after every rainfall or at least every three weeks without rain."

Some areas of the base are affected more heavily than others.

"Past history proves the areas most needing treatment are ditch lines and coverts near the horse stables, low grass areas behind the base exchange, base clinic coverts and drainage areas on the west side of the flight line," he said. The larvicide used to treat base areas poses no threats to humans through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion.

Despite members of Public Health and the 28 CES actively deterring the mosquito population, they cannot be everywhere at all times; there are methods individual members can put into effect to help control the population as well.

Base personnel should empty anything they have on their property that accumulates water at least once per week, as these may become sites for mosquito breeding too, Mr. Grimes said. If you have a swimming pool, make sure to chlorinate it. Leaving this water untreated can produce enough mosquitoes to affect an entire neighborhood.

The importance of treating for mosquitoes lays in the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.

According to the Center for Disease Control, mosquitoes may carry various encephalitides (to include West Nile Virus), Malaria and Yellow, Dengue and Rift Valley fevers.

Base populace may also take personal protective measures to guard against mosquitoes.

The CDC recommends applying Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellents such as DEET and wearing appropriate clothing to protect the body from bites. Mosquitoes do have the ability to bite through clothing, so spraying the clothing with a repellent serves as the best deterrent.

Additional information can be found at the CDC's Web site www.cdc.gov or by contacting 28 CES Pest Management at (605) 385-2521.