Save a Wetland, Fight Mosquitoes

States such as Indiana, Massachusetts and New Jersey have long histories of fighting prolific numbers of mosquitoes. Through years of practice, they’ve discovered that using chemical treatment is expensive, provides a short-term benefit and runs the risk of creating pesticide resistant mosquitoes. As an alternative, they have adopted integrated pest management programs.

Integrated pest management is a long-term and effective approach to reducing mosquito populations. The focus is to decrease breeding areas in proximity to human activities, foster natural predators to keep mosquito populations in check and use spot-applications of larvicides. Spraying to control adult mosquitoes is considered a last resort to be used only when local infestations become a serious nuisance or health threat. In some states, integrated pest management has also evolved into maintaining wetlands not draining them.

Mosquito abatement experts have discovered that draining a wetland [PDF Document, 718 KB] does not guarantee fewer mosquitoes. Drained wetlands still allow rainwater to pool in low areas, creating a perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed but doesn’t support beneficial insects that feed on mosquitoes. The result is mosquitoes can quickly reproduce out of control. The reverse is true in places where wetlands are restored. Wetlands can result in a dramatic reduction of mosquito populations, because healthy wetlands provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, which help keep mosquito populations in-check.

Being Part of the Food Chain
Many people think the only good mosquito is a dead mosquito. This may sound like a good idea at first, but it’s not in the bigger scheme of an ecosystem. Mosquitoes are part of the food chain. They are food for fish, bats, birds, spiders and other insects. In fact, bats can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in an hour of hunting.

If you don’t want to be a regular part of the mosquitoes’ food chain, the best thing to do is reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing water; even a thimbleful is enough for them to multiply. The key to reducing mosquitoes is to get rid of any standing water. Gutters, old tires and flowerpots are often overlooked breeding sites.