Mosquito Control in the Louisiana Wetlands

Anything that holds water can become a breeding place for mosquitoes. With the huge amount of bayous and marsh, mosquito control in Louisiana is a highly necessary task. 

Why control mosquitoes?

There are several reasons to control the population of mosquitoes, but the most important one is due to their status as a disease carrier. The control of mosquitoes can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting diseases such as the West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Pets can become infected with heartworms and other parasites.

It may be surprising to learn that the answer to the mosquito problem isn’t complete eradication of the pest. Mosquitoes are a surprisingly important part of the bayou ecosystem. Here in Louisiana, birds and other animals rely on them as a source of food.

Mosquito control is a process that aims to reduce the amount of mosquitoes in an area. Stan’s Airboat and Marsh Excavator Service uses a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to hone in on the mosquito in its different environments and life stages. 

Mosquito Control in Louisiana Wetlands

Based on the range of habitats that are favorable to mosquitoes, as well as the distance that common mosquitoes in the state have flown (more than thirty miles), total elimination would be impossible. Instead, the goal is to decrease the population of these biting pests.

Interestingly enough, healthy wetland areas, like we have here in Louisiana, can actually provide the right setting to ensure the presence of the mosquitoes’ natural enemies, like water striders and dragonflies. According to Audubon magazine, when the Essex County Mosquito Control Project restored a 1,500 acre wetland in Massachusetts, the mosquito population dropped by 90 percent. This example demonstrates that wetlands have a vital purpose in helping to eliminate, or greatly reduce, flooding in areas that typically would then lack these mosquito predators.

Understanding the Mosquito Life Cycle

Male mosquitoes use their short mouths to feast on nectar, while female mosquitoes use their long proboscis to feed on the blood of birds, animals, and people. After eating, the female possesses the protein it needs to lay eggs. Still, not every adult female mosquito bites humans. Some prefer birds, snakes, or other large mammals.

The best way to control the mosquito population is through integrated pest management. This technique takes the four stages of the mosquito life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, into consideration. Of these four stages, only the adult stage (when a mosquito bites) does not depend on standing water.

Here in Louisiana, mosquitoes become aggressive the two hours just after sunset and are also much more active at dawn and dusk. For anyone working in the Louisiana wetlands, the key to keeping bug bites to a minimum is to wear light-colored clothing and bug repellent.

Airboat and Marsh Excavation

Stan’s Airboat and Marsh Excavator Services has the experience and knowledge necessary to tackle a variety of projects within the Louisiana wetlands, from marsh constructions, oil spill cleanup and recovery, to erosion control needs. Contact Stan’s mosquito control experts today.