A Green Approach to Mosquito Control
During the budget process for 2022, the City decided to not fund the purchase of mosquitocide. This chemical was dispensed by a truck mounted sprayer to kill adult mosquitoes. Several factors were involved in this decision which included: the availability of the material, the impact on pollinators and the City’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Due to supply issues, the City was unable to locate and purchase the mosquitocide product in 2021.
The City is taking several steps in promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. First, the Sustainability Center, currently under construction, will educate residents on how to be environmentally-friendly and help to create a more sustainable society. In addition, the City is working with Ameren Missouri on the installation of solar panels on the parking lot of Aquaport/Community Center. These panels will connect to Ameren’s electrical grid decreasing their dependence on fossil fuels for energy.
A primary concern when discussing if the City should continue with the mosquitocide program was the negative impact that the spray had on pollinators. Mosquitocide spray kills adult mosquitoes when a droplet touches the mosquito. These droplets would also come in contact with a wide variety of pollinators causing their death. The City previously scheduled the sprayer for the evening when most pollinators are less active. Most people associate the term “pollinator” with honey bees. However, pollinators are a wide variety of insects which includes bees, butterflies and moths. Pollinators are important to continue plant growth cycles for flowering plants.
Now that the City will not be spraying for mosquitoes here are some steps you can take to help reduce the local mosquito population:
The best approach in reducing the mosquito population is to reduce the number of mosquito breeding habitats. If you have any questions, contact Public Works at (314) 291-6550.
The City is taking several steps in promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. First, the Sustainability Center, currently under construction, will educate residents on how to be environmentally-friendly and help to create a more sustainable society. In addition, the City is working with Ameren Missouri on the installation of solar panels on the parking lot of Aquaport/Community Center. These panels will connect to Ameren’s electrical grid decreasing their dependence on fossil fuels for energy.
A primary concern when discussing if the City should continue with the mosquitocide program was the negative impact that the spray had on pollinators. Mosquitocide spray kills adult mosquitoes when a droplet touches the mosquito. These droplets would also come in contact with a wide variety of pollinators causing their death. The City previously scheduled the sprayer for the evening when most pollinators are less active. Most people associate the term “pollinator” with honey bees. However, pollinators are a wide variety of insects which includes bees, butterflies and moths. Pollinators are important to continue plant growth cycles for flowering plants.
Now that the City will not be spraying for mosquitoes here are some steps you can take to help reduce the local mosquito population:
- Remove standing water – Check for items outside that can hold standing water. This can include pails, buckets, toys, etc. Place them inside and if that isn’t possible, turn them over to prevent water from standing in them. Make sure your downspouts and gutters drain properly and do not hold water.
- Install a bird house – Mosquitoes are part of the diet for many species of birds. Providing houses can increase the number of birds around your property, helping decrease the mosquito population.
- Install a bat house – Like birds, bats eat mosquitoes as part of their diet. They also feed at night when the mosquito activity is higher.
- Keep your pond stocked – If you have a decorative pond, keep it stocked with goldfish, koi, minnows or guppies. The fish will feed on any mosquito larvae in the water.
- Take care of your pools – If you have a swimming pool make sure it is properly chlorinated. Keep the pool cover free of standing water.
- Keep a fan handy – A light fan at ground level can help reduce mosquitoes ruining your plans on your patio or deck. The moving air helps dissipate human scent and carbon dioxide making it harder for mosquitoes to find you. Mosquitoes are also weak flyers. The breeze makes it difficult to fly, keeping them away from your patio or deck.
The best approach in reducing the mosquito population is to reduce the number of mosquito breeding habitats. If you have any questions, contact Public Works at (314) 291-6550.