Increased rain and warmer temperatures mean more mosquitoes and an increased chance of contracting the West Nile virus this summer. (Illustration credit: David Joffe)

One option to help curb the spread of the West Nile virus is larviciding, applying naturally occurring bacteria to water sources where mosquito larvae develop. The material is ingested by the larvae and disrupts their digestive systems, preventing the larvae from developing into biting adult mosquitoes. The larvicides are environmentally friendly and have no effect on humans, fish, animals or beneficial insects.

"Biological larviciding is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly means of controlling mosquitoes," said Dr. Ned Walker, an entomology professor at Michigan State University. "Many public health departments have added larviciding to their mosquito control programs because it helps reduce the mosquito population to a level that can be effectively controlled later in the season."

Walker said larviciding is a more natural way for communities to reduce the mosquito population and protect against the West Nile virus. Plus, mosquito control programs containing a comprehensive larval control component have shown a proportionally lower number of West Nile virus cases.

Residents can call their local health department to see if larviciding is being done near their homes and can help reduce the mosquito population with the following steps:

-- Eliminate standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes

-- Remove unnecessary items that hold water including tires, wading pools, toys and buckets

-- Add fresh water to bird baths and plants every few days

-- Ensure swimming pools and ponds are cleaned and circulated properly

-- Unclog gutters and drainage ditches that may hold water

For more information about larviciding and how to help your community prepare for the upcoming mosquito season, visit www.mosquitoawareness.com.

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