Newshound: Mosquito spraying

Issue

With the sweltering heat waiting to burst out in South Texas, coupled with moisture, expected rainfall, and stagnant water from sprinkler systems' runoff, water hoses, baby pools, bird baths, pet water feeders, and plant containers, residents throughout the community are hoping for an effective and consistent mosquito-spraying program through the city.

Who to call

The City's Health department under Director Josue Ramirez oversees several divisions, including pest control.

Ramirez said spraying of mosquitoes at this time of year is conducted in response to specific calls.

"Some areas are more prone to develop mosquitoes," Ramirez said, referring to low-lying areas.

He advises homeowners to inspect their homes, remove containers where water can accumulate and to make sure that water, for example in birdbaths, is replaced at least every three days to eliminate breeding conditions.

Several calls were received at the department roughly a week ago after some rainfall and residents can call (956-542-3437) if they are having mosquito problems.

What they said

"We try to go within 24 hours," Ramirez said.

The city, however, cannot spray during rainfall or when the wind is blowing at more than 10 mph.

The mosquito problem in the city peaks in September and October, Ramirez said, but citywide spraying would be scheduled after extensive rains.

According to the city's Health Department's Web site, http://health.cob.us/mosquito_control.asp the species of mosquitoes found in Brownsville are aedes aegypti, aedes albopictus, aedes scapularis, anopheles quadrimaculatus, culex coronator, culex interrogator, culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, culex restuans, culiseta inornata, psorophora columbiae, and psorophora cyanescens.

The city's Web site also notes that the aedes species are found almost exclusively in artificial containers, such as tin cans, flower pots, tires, and baby pools. Though originally a tropical species, these two particular species have adapted quite well with the hot summer days and high humidity here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus breeds in permanent fresh water pools and ponds that contain aquatic vegetation or floating debris. This mosquito larva is most abundant in shallow water.

Culex quinquefasciatus develops in artificial containers, like the aedes species, while culex restuans usually breeds in foul, stagnant water, such as ditches, tin cans and clogged storm drains.

Psorophora columbiae and cyanescens will usually breed in temporary rain pools and irrigation canals. This species of mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in low-lying areas.