Mosquito Surveillance

Egg surveillance

Eggs are collected from blood-fed female mosquitoes two ways:

• Little black jars - These jars contain a wooden paddle immersed in water to attract female mosquitoes (floodwater type) which lay their eggs on a damp surface (the wooden paddle).
• Gravid traps - These traps attract gravid (egg-laying) female mosquitoes (permanent water type). Females lay their eggs on the water which is contained within a black tub which fits underneath the trap. The eggs can then be collected from the water surface.

Larval surveillance

The presence of immature, aquatic stages of mosquitoes is routinely checked at known sites where stagnant water collects.

• Dipper - A plastic cup is attached to the end of a wooden pole and the cup is immersed in the water to collect larvae.
• Baster - Used to collect larvae from tree holes and tires.
• Tea strainer - Used to collect larvae from areas inaccessible to the dipper.

Adult Surveillance

• CDC light traps - This type of trap is baited with dry ice which attracts adult mosquitoes and catches them in a net.
• Gravid traps - This type of trap is used to collect egg-laying females. A black tub containing water fits underneath the trap and a fan sucks female mosquitoes into the trap. This trap is especially useful for collecting mosquitoes infected with encephalitis.
• Faye-Prince trap - This type of trap is used to collect specific kinds of mosquitoes not attracted to the CDC trap.

Larval Control

This is a very key component of mosquito control since the immature stages are concentrated, immobile, and accessible (CIA) compared to adult mosquito populations. Treatment may involve use of oil, insect growth regulators, bacteria, or fish. Depending on the type of larval habitat, staff use a specific type of product. When these products are used correctly they are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Here is a list of some of the products Bio-Disease Vector Management utilizes.

• Agnique® - The primary larvicide used by Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Division staff. It is a product which is used to spray on the water surface of larval breeding sites. This product prevents the larvae and pupae from breathing causing death by suffocation.
• Golden Bear® - This product is used to spray on the water surface of larval breeding sites. This product prevents larvae and pupae from breathing, causing death by suffocation.
• Altosid® - This product is applied to sites prior to flooding. The material will dissolve when exposed to water and when mosquito eggs hatch, this material will prevent the mosquitoes from developing into an adult.
• Pyrenone Mosquito Capsules® - A synthetic pyrethrin used to kill mosquito larvae and used in mosquito breeding sites such as marshy areas, pools and ponds where fish and other aquatic animals will not be harmed.
• Vectolex® - A biological product used to kill mosquito larvae. The mosquito larvae ingest the bacteria and a toxin is released by the bacteria killing it.
• Mosquitofish - These small minnows provide effective biological control against mosquito larvae and pupae. These fish are very voracious, highly reproductive, and hardy. These fish are very effective in permanent water such as ponds. Fish are provided free of charge by contacting the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department at (505) 768-2600 .

Adult Control

Adulticiding (the use of insecticides) is required when mosquitoes are present in intolerable numbers or when disease infected mosquitoes are present. Adulticiding is not the primary control method in an integrated pest management strategy but is used when necessary. Proper utilization of this method will reduce mosquito populations rapidly and help to protect the public from diseases such as encephalitis.

• Scourge® - A synthetic pyrethroid used to control adult mosquitoes. When applied correctly the product is safe to humans and animals.
• Aqua-Reslin® - A synthetic pyrethoid used to control adult mosquitoes providing rapid knockdown of mosquitoes. When applied correctly it is safe for humans and animals.