Receding Midwest Floodwaters Shine Renewed Importance on Effective Mosquito Control and Education Efforts

Cooperative approach between government, residents minimizes public health risk in wake of disaster 


SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 23  /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquitoes, pesky insects that have prospered since prehistoric times, are an interesting species. The average adult life span of a female is three to 100 days, and she can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and thousands in her lifetime. Eggs can lay dormant and viable for months, and up to 100 or more mosquitoes can emerge per square foot of water per day in a good breeding habitat.

These facts are noteworthy as public health officials and residents in seven Midwestern states brace for potential health and environmental ramifications due to the effects of widespread flooding. As the aftermath becomes a reality and mosquito populations explode, it is important for residents and public health departments to implement cooperative programs for effective mosquito control.

Government agencies and municipalities are scrambling to determine whether their existing plans will stop development of millions of larvae currently spawning over hundreds of thousands of acres of standing water. In tandem with government efforts, residents of all affected areas can assume responsibility for minimizing the impact the potentially harmful insects have in their own backyards.

John Neberz of Schaumburg, Ill.-based Central Life Sciences, whose founders invented insect growth regulator technology more than 30 years ago, said, "As was demonstrated during the last extensive Midwest flood in 1993, residual floodwater produces many habitats where mosquitoes thrive."

"Each public health department in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin is tailoring its own program based on the community's needs," he said. "They are concerned about increased populations and the well being of residents and realize that mosquito breeding will be an issue throughout summer and into fall."

Many areas that have standing water are highly susceptible to continued puddling and mosquito breeding because the already saturated ground won't be able to accommodate additional rainfall.

Neberz said, "We see increased use of larvicide products, which communities put into sewer basins and other standing water locations, after heavy rains and flooding.  Larviciding, which prevents adult mosquitoes from hatching, is an environmentally responsible solution that controls both nuisance mosquitoes and those that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus."

What can the public do immediately to take responsibility for minimizing mosquitoes as floodwaters recede? According to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several important steps:

  -- Remove residual standing water as soon after floodwaters dissipate as
     possible, including in areas such as old tires, recycling containers,
     bird baths, boats and canoes, pool covers and tree stumps
  -- As soon as possible, mow grass to facilitate the drying of the ground
     and minimize above ground water retention
  -- While outside, cover skin with DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon-
     Eucalyptus repellant as a precaution
  -- Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing such as long pants and long
     sleeve shirts when outdoors
  -- If possible, schedule activities to avoid the times when mosquitoes are
     most active -- usually dawn and dusk
  -- Support community based mosquito programs that aim to educate and
     inform residents about how to come together to address the issue.




"Obviously, communities devastated by these horrendous floods will be facing difficult situations and will have a lot to deal with," Neberz said. "This cooperative effort between residents and their local governments will go a long way in keeping mosquito populations in check."

About Central Life Sciences

Central Life Sciences is a strategic business unit of Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT). Central Life Sciences is dedicated to creating healthier environments and making life better for people, plants and companion animals around the world. As inventors of insect growth regulator (IGR) technology more than 30 years ago, the founders of Central Life Sciences pioneered biorational pest control: using the insect's chemistry as a means to reduce pest populations. For information about Central Life Sciences call 1-800-248-7763 or visit online at http://www.centrallifesciences.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Central Life Sciences



CONTACT:  Blair Ciecko, [phone], , for

Central Life Sciences



Web site:  http://www.centrallifesciences.com/

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