Mosquitoes

Purpose

To maintain a safe and comfortable environment by controlling the mosquito population in a sustainable, effective, and eco-friendly manner. This protocol outlines steps to prevent mosquito breeding, monitor for larvae, and reduce adult mosquitoes from April through October.

Key Components of the Protocol:

1. Prevention: Removing Breeding Grounds

• Empty and Tip Water Containers.

• Inspect the entire village weekly for standing water.

• Empty or remove any containers, such as buckets, flowerpot saucers, and unused tires, where water might collect.

• For containers that cannot be removed, tip them upside down to prevent water accumulation.

2. Monitoring: Keeping an Eye on the Pond

• Larvae Surveillance:

• Inspect the pond every week for signs of mosquito larvae (small, wiggling creatures near the water’s surface).

• Use a net or small container to collect water samples for close examination.

• Documentation:

• Record the presence or absence of larvae in a logbook to track mosquito activity trends.

3. Larvae Control: Bacteria Tabs

• Biological Treatment:

• Apply eco-friendly bacteria tabs (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bti) every two weeks to the pond to kill larvae without harming other aquatic life.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage based on the size and volume of the pond.

• Timing:

• Consistently apply bacteria tabs every two weeks from April through October.

4. Adult Mosquito Control: CO₂ Capture Machine

• Deployment of the CO₂ Machine:

• Set up the CO₂ machine in a strategic location near the pond or other mosquito-prone areas, ensuring it is far enough from communal spaces to avoid attracting mosquitoes toward people.

• Run the machine continuously from April through October to capture adult mosquitoes.

• Maintenance:

• Empty the trap and clean the machine weekly to maintain efficiency.

Weekly Mosquito Management Checklist

1. Inspect for Standing Water:

• ✅ Empty and tip all water containers.

• ✅ Check drains, gutters, and other water collection points.

2. Monitor the Pond:

• ✅ Look for larvae and document findings.

• ✅ If larvae are found, confirm that bacteria tab application is up to date.

3. Apply Bacteria Tabs:

• ✅ Apply every two weeks (schedule reminders on a calendar).

4. Check and Maintain CO₂ Machine:

• ✅ Ensure the machine is operational.

• ✅ Empty and clean the trap.

Community Involvement

1. Education and Awareness:

• Host workshops at the start of the mosquito season to teach community members about the importance of mosquito control and their role in the protocol.

• Post reminders about tipping water containers and checking for standing water in common areas.

2. Volunteers for Weekly Inspections:

• Rotate responsibility for inspections, monitoring, and machine maintenance among community members.

Why This Matters

By following this protocol, we:

• Prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.

• Maintain a comfortable living environment for everyone in the village.

• Protect the ecosystem with eco-friendly solutions.

Let’s work together to make mosquito season manageable and keep our community thriving!