2016: The Year of the Mosquito

Image Courtesy of CDC]

 

Welcome to the year of the mosquito. That’s right, 2016 will forever be remembered as the year that the world became very familiar with the Zika virus and its carrier, the mosquito. Turn on any television set, open any newspaper, or look at any computer screen, Zika dominates the news cycle. While the mosquito, in general, has always been a known vector for various diseases, including encephalitis and West Nile virus, it is the concern over the spread of the Zika virus that has pushed the general public to demand increased efforts to control mosquitoes.

Due to the complexities of the laws and regulations, coupled with the public’s demand for reduced pesticide use, the majority of control programs were only provided by companies that specialized in mosquito control. However, that trend is beginning to change. Companies, seeing the overall change in the public’s desire to control the mosquito population in an effort to reduce, or ultimately eliminate the potential spread of Zika, are now adding mosquito control as a service option. In the rush to benefit from this trend, some companies may not be as prepared as they should. This lack of preparation is resulting in the loss of a loyal customer base, and ultimately, any long-term profits from the addition of this service option.

If you think of a mosquito control program like a puzzle, then you realize that there are many different pieces that must fit together for the program to be successful and profitable. The first piece of the puzzle is learning as much about the different mosquito species that you are trying to control. Knowing as much about the biology, behavior, and habits of your target pest allows you to develop a more targeted and effective control program for your customers. While most people provide this information to their field professionals, the administrative professionals should also be provided with this knowledge. Remember, in most cases, the first point of contact with a customer is through a phone call to the office. Make sure that the information they are receiving is the most accurate and up-to-date.

As with any control program, conducting a thorough inspection of the area to be treated is critical and the first step to take. With mosquito control, this is often a forgotten step. It’s important to identify those areas where mosquitoes may be breeding and work to eliminate those first. Look for any standing water in or around areas with overgrown vegetation, old flowerpots, even children’s unattended toys or pools can hold enough water to allow for breeding mosquitoes. By eliminating these breeding areas first, you can increase the effectiveness of your program. In addition, use this inspection to help educate your customer. Show them what you found during the inspection and provide them with strategies they can use to reduce mosquito populations around their homes and structures.

Another important part of the mosquito puzzle is personal safety. It goes without saying, but whether it’s using a product to treat for ants, rodents, cockroaches, or any other pest, it is important to carefully read and follow the safety precautions and recommendations listed on the label for the product, or products, that you will be using. This can sometimes be a challenge for service professionals working during the hottest days of the year. However, it is important to remember that not only is your company’s reputation on the line, but so is your personal safety! Shorts and short-sleeve shirts, while comfortable during the hot summer days, offer no protection against pesticide particulates that may contact exposed skin. Ensure that everyone who will be conducting mosquito control programs is equipped with all of the necessary personal protective equipment, including mosquito repellant, needed to keep them safe on the job.

Lastly, ensure that you have the right equipment for the job, and for the person doing the job. Be careful not to use a “one-size-fits-all” mentality when selecting mosquito control equipment. Whether treating for mosquitoes using a backpack, power sprayer, or truck- mounted unit, the equipment should be selected based on the type of work that you may be conducting, the size of the area to be treated, its ease of use, and, with the overall safety of the user in mind.

Ben Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” With the height of the mosquito season upon us, we should all stop and ask ourselves, “Are we really prepared for the, Year of the Mosquito?”

The author can be reached at kkelley@giemedia.com.