Mosquitoes and Mosquito Borne Disease

The primary mosquitoes in this area which transmit disease to humans and animals are the following:

• Aedes vexans-St. Louis encephalitis, Western Equine encephalitis, dog heartworm
• Aedes dorsalis-Western Equine encephalitis
• Culex tarsalis-St. Louis encephalitis, Western Equine encephalitis
• Culex quinquefasciatus-St. Louis encephalitis, dog heartworm

Quadrants

Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff are assigned to a specific quadrant of the county for larval surveillance and control. Mosquito sites have been identified in each of the quadrants and are inspected and treated if mosquito larvae are present. These quadrants are northwest, northeast, and southwest. There are many sites in the northwest and southwest areas such as the bosque along the Rio Grande, the large diversion channels, and also agricultural lands.

Your Health

Mosquitoes can cause serious annoyance problems and also are transmitters of diseases such as St. Louis/Western Equine encephalitis and dog heartworm found in this area. Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff are involved in the surveillance of adult mosquito populations to detect encephalitis in mosquito populations to prevent human/animal exposure. Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff use insecticides which are environmentally safe. The lowest possible dose to obtain control is used to reduce pesticide residue in the environment and human exposure. Records are kept of individuals who inform us of their sensitivity to pesticides and precautions are taken by Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division and the individuals to limit exposure to pesticides. Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff are involved in insecticide resistant tests on mosquito populations. These studies help to determine if mosquito populations have become resistant to particular insecticides so that adjustments can be made for improved mosquito control by changing the insecticide and/or dose.

Our Environment

Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division strategies are used to protect the environment from the overuse of insecticides. Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff are involved in the following:

• Surveillance - Helps to locate and target populations for efficient control methods.
• Source reduction - Eliminate mosquito development sites by changing the physical environment such as draining artificial containers, filling in depressed areas, grading to reduce ponding water.
• Biological control - Use of the mosquitofish for mosquito larval control.
• Use of insecticides which are environmentally safe and least toxic to birds and wildlife.

Public Education

Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division program provides information to the public in order to assist them in reducing their potential exposure to disease carrying insects. Here are some ways in which the public can assist us in controlling mosquitoes:

• Eliminate standing water
• Eliminate receptacles such as cans, tires, bottles, etc. which may hold water
• Clean fish ponds and birdbaths regularly
• Eliminate over-watering
• Repair/replace broken sprinklers
• Repair window and door screens
• Utilization of repellents during outdoor activities
• Utilization of mosquitofish