tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4435140311423264248.post7462901149036289125..comments2011-05-26T08:32:09.330-07:00Comments on Anatole Beck Commentaries: MOSQUITOS - July 2, 2009Insurgent Radio Kioskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09058554270844309347noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4435140311423264248.post-78427345358423309402009-07-04T10:01:40.239-07:002009-07-04T10:01:40.239-07:00Hello,
This is Jonah, one of the Kiosk engineers....Hello,<br /><br />This is Jonah, one of the Kiosk engineers. When I listened to this commentary it reminded me of a recent letter a got form the UW inviting me to participate in a survey on mosquitos in Madison. The survey asked various questions about how much mosquitos impact my life and what steps I take to avoid or remedy the mosquito problem. I've lived right near next door to the arboretum almost all my life and dealing with mosquitos have always been a big part of my life. In addition to the survey, the UW has put together a website (http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mosquitosite/index.html) describing different remedies available and their relative efficacy. <br /><br />In regards to Mr. Beck's commentary and his recommendations for biological solutions to the problem, according to the UW, these methods are basically ineffective - particularly bats and purple martins. Their explanation is that bats and purple martins are simply not enough of an impact to really make a difference. At one point we considered these options, but now it sounds like it's probably a waste of time and to me the explanation makes sense. <br /><br />The one thing that I do believe makes a difference is reducing pooled water around your house and using bacillus thuringiensis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis) to kill off mosquito larvae before they can hatch. This must be done early on in the life cycle though because if you wait to long the bacteria will have no effect. Also, I've heard that mosquitos can live and hatch in a drop of water and can even be dried for hours and revived as long as they get more water. So be sure things are kept dry for a while.<br /><br />It sounds like the UW is working on a plan which they talked about in the survey but they didn't explain further. I'm guessing it must have something to do with pooled water and maybe the above bacteria to control mosquito population. At any rate, it sounds like their method will be environmentally safe and friendly which is good. I'd rather deal with mosquitos than be breathing in toxic chemicals. Hopefully they will do something soon!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05585178080935678921noreply@blogger.com