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Programs -> Mosquitoes -> Integrated Pest Management -> Preventative Approach
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Preventative Approach:
The District controls mosquitoes through a program of integrated mosquito management (IMM). This program focuses on controlling mosquitoes in their larval stage and preventing problems before they occur. Larval control has many benefits:
- Lower toxicity. The pesticides used to control the larval stage are much less toxic to the environment and are highly specific to mosquitoes.
- Less pesticides. The pesticides are applied to a smaller area than would be required for treatment of adult mosquitoes.
- Less disease. Targeting immature mosquitoes kills them before they are capable of transmitting disease.
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Handcan
Treatment |
What materials do we use?The District mainly uses three different types of larvicides:
- Golden Bear 1111: A refined petroleum distillate that breaks down in a few days. It is applied to the surface of standing water and causes mosquito larvae to drown.
- Methoprene: A juvenile growth hormone that is target specific to mosquito larvae. It mimics the growth hormone produced in a developing larva. They stop producing the hormone when they pupate. When methoprene is applied to the water, it keeps the larvae in a juvenile stage.
- Bacillus thuringensis israelis (Bti): A bacteria that is toxic to mosquito larvae. The bacteria causes the stomach lining of mosquito larvae to rupture and ultimately killing the mosquito larvae.
- Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis): We give out these fish at no additional charge to residents with backyard fishponds or stagnant swimming pools. These fish love to eat mosquito larvae and are a great biological control method.
Materials used by the District are regulated by California Department of Health Services in conjunction with County of San Mateo Agricultural Commissioner.
Click here to see what you can do to protect yourself.
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