8/22/02
Bob Lowry, 334/844-9999
AU STEPS UP MOSQUITO CONTROL BECAUSE OF WEST NILE VIRUS
AUBURN -- Auburn University is stepping up its control of mosquitoes in the wake of the discovery on campus of two of the pesky insects that tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected by Gary Mullen, an AU professor of entomology and plant pathology who has been working statewide with local, state and federal health officials on the West Nile virus issue.
The mosquitoes were captured at the Davis Arboretum and near the AU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Charles Ray, director of AU's Safety and Environmental Health Services, said the university's mosquito control program would focus first on eliminating mosquitoes where they breed.
"We will check the campus for areas of standing water, food preparation areas and other sites that could be potential breeding grounds and we'll treat those areas," he said. "If people on campus have an area that needs checking, they should call the Facilities Division Help Line or my office."
The city of Auburn has already started spraying for mosquitoes in some areas of the city, but Ray said AU does not have that type equipment. He said the university is talking with the city about the use of their spray equipment, but he said use of mosquito spray on campus "would be a last resort."
"Adult control measures are generally the most expensive and least effective means of mosquito control," he said. "Adult control measures will be employed only as a last resort or in special situations such as prior to outdoor evening events where surveillance has indicated a problem with adult mosquitoes."
Ray said one of the most important components of the AU mosquito control program is education.
"It's important that Auburn University faculty, staff and students have a good understanding of mosquitoes, the benefits realized from their control and the role people have in preventing certain mosquito-borne diseases," he said.
Should AU eventually decide to use spray equipment on campus, Ray said it would be important for those on campus to "be aware of pesticide application times so they may decide on precautions they may need to take."
AU plans to distribute updated information to students through Housing & Residence Life and to faculty and staff through the AU web site, news releases and the AU Report. Health and Human Performance and Recreational Services will distribute information to those participating in outdoor classes and intramural sports. The Athletic Department is responsible for notifying athletic teams and those attending athletic events regarding the need to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Foy Student Union and University Programming will notify attendees of outdoor events of the need for personal protection.
Ray said some of the known breeding areas for mosquitoes on the AU campus include the Arboretum, Memorial Gardens, the wetlands area near the intersection of Shug Jordan Parkway and Wire Road, the AU Poultry Farm lagoons, College of Veterinary Medicine wetlands and the temporary pond near the location of the new Forestry and Wildlife Science Building.
Other potential breeding areas include all construction sites that involve soil disturbance where water may pool, the lagoon behind the Hazardous Materials Storage Facility, the lagoon near the Swine Evaluation Unit, the lagoons near the site of the new Beef Teaching Unit, standing water near the intersection of Dairy Drive and the un-named road south of Lem Morrison Drive and other agricultural lagoons or watering troughs.
AU hopes to thwart much of the mosquito problem by destroying the larva in standing water, said Ray.
Faculty, staff and students should report to the Safety and Environmental Health Services any areas on campus where adult mosquitoes are found.
Ray said outdoor events, including tailgating at football games, may present problems this fall. The venues for all outdoor events should be surveyed at the expected time of day of the event, three days prior to the actual event, for adult mosquito activity. If adult mosquito activity is noted, a limited spraying or fogging for adult mosquitoes may be performed with "surgical precision" prior to the event, according to the plan.
Determination of the need for spraying or fogging will be made by Ray's office with advice of entomology and plant pathology experts. All use of chemical control measures for adult mosquitoes must be performed by personnel possessing or working under the direct supervision of a person possessing a valid pesticide application license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. All spraying for adult mosquitoes will be announced.
------
Personal Protection
1. When outdoors, wear clothing that covers the skin such as long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.
2. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during evening early morning, late afternoon or near dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Ensure that door and window screens are in good repair.
4. Spray clothing and exposed skin with insect repellant containing at least 10 percent DEET. FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS! For children who might be on campus, appropriate notification should be made regarding special recommendations for children.
Institutional Actions
1. Outdoor events should be scheduled to minimize mosquito exposure. Early morning, late afternoon and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Outdoor events should not be scheduled in known or traditional mosquito breeding areas.
3. Employees who must work out-of-doors will be provided insect repellant containing at least 10 percent DEET as necessary. Departments must provide such repellents. Application must be in accordance with label instructions.
4. Purchase of insect repellents containing at least 10 percent DEET for use by university employees during the course of their university responsibilities is considered a legitimate university purchase.
5. Potential mosquito breeding sites such as discarded containers, surplus/scrap tires, etc. will be properly managed. Discarded containers (cans, bottles, buckets) should be removed and properly disposed. Surplus/scrap tires should be disposed through the Facilities Division Auto Shop. The Facilities Division Instructions for Disposing of Construction/Demolition and Rubbish Waste should be followed at all times.
6. Creation of potholes and ruts on university grounds will be prevented to the degree possible and all ruts and potholes filled in by Facilities Division as appropriate.
7. Keep gutters and drainage areas clean.
8. Eliminate standing water on and around structures such as flat roofs, air conditioner units and leaky pipes and faucets.
The following campus units respond to problems, questions and concerns regarding mosquito problems:
** Safety & Environmental Health, 334/844-4870 for questions regarding the AU Program, to report mosquito problems and to request an investigation.
** Facilities Division HELP line (334/844-4357 or 334/844-HELP) for after hours calls. All questions, mosquito problems and reports should be forwarded to SEH.
** The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service for technical questions about mosquitoes and mosquito control. For mosquito problems call the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 334/844-5006.
aug02:AU-mosquitoes
CONTACT: Ray, 334/844-4870. The Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm