The control of
mosquitoes is a major concern. Without control programs, the mosquito
population would flourish and cause potential health and comfort
problems.
From a health
standpoint, mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, malaria,
yellow fever and dengue viruses. Mosquito-borne diseases cause more
than one million deaths each year around the world. Mosquito bites can
also infect a pet with the deadly canine heartworm.
One must also consider the nuisance factor, the discomfort mosquito bites cause while we try to enjoy the outdoors.
Mosquitoes can migrate
up to 15 miles, which overrides larval control efforts. This results
in the need for adult mosquito control.
The City of Clear Lake
started an annual mosquito control program. This program involves the
use of an ultra-low volume ground sprayer dispensing Masterline Kontrol
4-4 and/or Biomist 4 + 4. It is an insecticide that is a synthetic
compound resembling a substance produced by chrysanthemums, to reduce
the mosquito populations. The insecticide resembles naturally occurring
plant products, which are toxic to insects. This insecticide is among
the least harmful products available, breaks down rapidly in the
environment, and poses almost no risk to people and pets in the
concentrations being used for mosquito control. Insecticides of this
type have been used primarily to control mosquitoes, midges, gnats, and
flies.
Spraying will
tentatively occur between Monday evening and Saturday a.m. depending
upon the weather (weather permitting and wind speed no greater than 10
mph). City staff will spray beginning at 7:00 p.m. and continue as long
as temperatures and wind speeds are at acceptable levels. Spraying may
resume in the morning at 4:00 a.m. and end at approximately 7:00 a.m.
Spraying continues throughout the summer as long as mosquito population counts justify the spraying.
Due to concerns about
pesticide exposure, the City will maintain a list of those residents
who do not wish their property to be treated with pesticides. Each
year, residents must notify, in writing, the Clear Lake Public Works
Department if they do not wish to have the area adjacent to their
property sprayed. The notice must be submitted to the Clear Lake Public
Works Department so they may be added to the list. The sprayer will be
shut off approximately 150’ from the property. This is the maximum
distance that will be used, due to those residents who want the benefit
and protection of the service.