The Multi Step Approach to Mosquito Control
Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) is a requirement for effective mosquito control.
We are under no illusion that our mosquito traps alone can solve your mosquito problems. An integrated approach, of which our traps are an important component, is necessary to start tackling mosquito problems at the roots. The integrated approach creates an environment in which mosquito populations over time will start to decrease.
The 4 steps of Integrated Mosquito Management with Biogents traps
1. The reconnaissance step
The first step in integrated mosquito management is the reconnaissance step. This first step is important as it tells us with what mosquito species we are dealing and it can give us an indication about the density of mosquito populations. Here our Biogents mosquito traps have already one enormous advantage: the catch bag! After a few days the content of the catch bag can be examined and this will give us the possibility to count our catch and to analyse which mosquito species are present.
2. The source reduction step
Once we know which mosquito species are present in our catch bag, we can start to look for the typical breeding sites of those species. Having identified the breeding sites it is then important to start eliminating those sites: emptying any object that contains water is the right start. Plant-dishes, empty buckets, trash, plastic bottles, old tyres and gutters are all known to be the perfect breeding places for Aedes mosquitoes.
Larviciding (killing larvae with pesticides or biological products) will be implemented if it is physically impossible to remove or reach the breeding sites; think about underground drains. This way we prevent larvae from reaching the pupae and adult stage.
3. The adulticiding step
It is extremely difficult to find each and every breeding site. Furthermore most of us have neighbors who might unknowingly breed mosquitoes. Therefore the adulticiding step is the step where we try to eliminate what is flying around. During this step Biogents mosquito traps will start to do what they were designed to do: catch mosquitoes. Rather than using harmful pesticides that create resistance, we attract mosquitoes with our artificial human scent and (optional) CO2.
4. The awareness step
Bringing mosquito populations under control is impossible if a small part of the population takes action against breeding sites and the vast majority is unknowingly breeding mosquitoes due to ignorance. It is therefore our duty and responsibility to educate local populations as often and as informed as possible. People in Southeast Asia are unfortunately used to live with mosquitoes. A climate with high temperatures prevents people from wearing mosquito proof clothes. Sleeping under mosquito nets is sweaty and doors and windows at dusk are kept open to let cooler air in.
Biogents encourages all their agents and Pest Control Operators to practice integrated mosquito management for increased effectiveness and customer satisfaction in addition to placing our mosquito traps.