Early spraying may cut bug attack

DAYTON - Insect control officials hope spraying early will reduce this year's mosquito and black fly populations.

For the past month Pestmaster District Manager Norm Karo has been actively treating breeding areas with larvicides, chemical applications intended to kill bugs before they become adults.

"We were able to get out and do extensive aerial surveillance of breeding areas this past winter, so we are way ahead of the game this year," he said. "And from the looks of things now Lake Lahontan will be lower than the past few years and won't be backing up into areas it has in the past."

As of April 1, the U.S. Geological Survey is forecasting runoff this spring will be 83 per cent of average.

The Central Lyon Vector Control District covers Mound House to Silver Springs, but the major breeding areas lie within difficult-to-access locations within Lahontan State Park.

Karo and district board chairman Richard Brophy have been working with park and Bureau of Reclamation officials in efforts to spot potential breeding spots. District pilot Jerry Fray has taken took officials on the surveillance flights.

Karo said he has treated the Carson River twice for black flies and has been working on pockets of mosquito breeding sites, including a newly discovered ponding area to the southeast of Lake Lahontan.

"We have received no mosquito complaints yet. There have been pockets of black flies, particularly in the Caribou and Bass Street area of Silver Springs and at Fort Churchill," he said. "Black flies can be difficult to control when they mature. Wind can carry them for miles into different areas."

Helping the district identify breeding sights within the Lahontan area, the Bureau of Reclamation recently made computer disks of USGS topographical maps available to the district.

The district has also placed five New Jersey light traps along the river.

The lights entrap mosquitoes, letting Karo know where problem areas are and the breed of mosquito he is dealing with. The traps are checked once a week.

Karo said residents can also help keep mosquitoes at bay by making sure there is no standing water on their property.

"Old tires are a major breeding site for mosquitoes," Karo advised.

"And they seem to cluster in evergreen shrubs. If there is no blood source available, mosquitoes will feed off certain plant juices."

Since he can only treat problems he is aware of, Karo urges residents to call his office when they have a concern. Pestmasters may be reached at (800) 424-7378.