RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Mosquito breeding pools aren't as plentiful this year because of drought conditions, but steering clear of the pesky insects and the sometimes-deadly diseases they can carry should nevertheless be one of the goals of the 101 Critical Days of Summer.
A unit at Randolph is doing its part to minimize the pain these critters cause.
Personnel from the 12th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron's Public Health Flight are educating base residents, placing mosquito traps at different locations on base and offering mosquito magnets to base residents for use in their yards on a first-come, first-served basis.
"If you see the traps, don't tamper with them," said Staff Sgt. Carin Hyden, NCO in charge, community health element. "The purpose of this is to benefit the Randolph community."
She said Public Health personnel are placing mosquito traps around the base two to three times per week. Typical locations are outside the dormitories, child development center and the Air Education and Training Command building and at Eberle Park and the golf course.
Sergeant Hyden said the traps mimic the breathing of a mammal by using dry ice, which emits carbon dioxide that attracts the insects. A fan then sucks the mosquitoes into a trap inside the device. Female mosquitoes are collected and sent to a laboratory at Brooks City-Base for analysis to see if they are carrying disease-causing viruses or parasites.
The mosquito magnets used by base residents are similar to the traps except that they are powered by propane, she said. In addition, they use a specially formulated Octenol-based attractant instead of dry ice.
Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Lee, community health technician, said the traps placed by the Public Health Flight serve another purpose. They help personnel identify trends in the mosquito population.
"If we identify a high mosquito population, we can make a recommendation to the base Pest Management section to start fogging for the insects," she said.
"A good sign is if we're not catching any mosquitoes," Sergeant Hyden said. "That means residents are making sure no water is accumulating."
Sergeant Hyden said preventive measures are the best way to keep mosquitoes away.
"Make sure you empty the things in your yard that collect water," she said.
Examples are kiddie pools, tires, jars, bottles and flower pots.
Residents can also reduce the amount of standing water by:
· Repairing leaky plumbing and water faucets.
· Cleaning and changing water in bird baths twice a week.
· Not over-watering the lawn.
· Replacing water in pet dishes every couple of days.
· Keeping grass short and pulling out tall weeds.
· Using a broom to sweep puddles out after thunderstorms.
Sergeant Hyden said preventive measures are the best way to keep mosquitoes away.
Bountiful rainfall last year resulted in a greater mosquito population, but Sergeant Hyden said people taking part in outdoor activities should be ready nonetheless. Citronella candles and repellents provide temporary relief.
"The lack of rain will lessen the mosquito population, but you should still keep up your guard," she said. "During outdoor activities you should use repellent."
Repellents that are most effective contain at least 20 to 30 percent diethyl toluamide (DEET). Repellents should be applied to exposed areas of the body as well as clothing but should not enter eyes, the mouth and nose.
Mosquitoes can carry disease-causing viruses and parasites from person to person. The most common species in Texas are the Aedes albopictus, which is associated with the transmission of dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis and heartworm; Culex pipiens, believed to be responsible for the transmission of the West Nile virus; and Anopheles quadrimaculatus, the chief vector of malaria.
"Mosquito control is everyone's responsibility," said Sergeant Hyden. "Now that you know what kind of insect you are up against and what they can do to you, it's up to you to protect yourselves."
For more information on mosquito control, call Public Health at 652-2456.