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Department of Ecology News Release - March 20, 2003
03-046
OLYMPIA - Spring is upon us, bringing bright blossoms, cool breezes...and mosquitoes that could be carrying the West Nile virus.
During 2002, West Nile caused 277 deaths across the United States.
Although it first arrived on the East Coast, the virus reached Washington last year: two horses and two birds (one crow, one raven) have tested positive for the disease so far. No human cases have yet been acquired in our state, but many officials believe people here could soon be affected.
Many cities and counties have plans in place to safely control mosquitoes on public property, and horse owners are getting their horses vaccinated. But what should homeowners do?
According to the Department of Ecology (Ecology), you can control mosquitoes to protect your family from West Nile virus without poisoning your property or harming the environment.
"Whatever you do, don't drain wetlands," said Kathleen Emmett, Ecology aquatic pesticide permit coordinator. "Healthy wetlands are full of natural predators such as birds and frogs that eat mosquitoes."
Wetlands also help clean polluted waters, prevent floods and protect drinking water supplies. Mosquitoes can actually increase if wetlands are destroyed; unlike their predators, many mosquito species need only a small puddle or depression in which to breed.
Stormwater ponds in neighborhoods and housing developments can be a potential breeding ground, but "as with wetlands, the benefits of these manmade ponds far outweigh the risk of West Nile virus," Emmett said. Stormwater ponds reduce flooding, erosion, and landslides, and help protect critical habitat for salmon and other fish.
Newer ponds are being designed to absorb water faster, so they're less likely to provide habitat for mosquitoes. For older ponds, homeowners or their neighborhood associations may wish to hire a licensed professional to control mosquito larvae this spring.
Don't use non-native fish or other wildlife to control mosquitoes in ponds; they're not very effective and may threaten native species. Check with the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife before releasing fish into any water body.
Ecology recommends that homeowners destroy mosquito larvae before they hatch with a naturally-occurring organism, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or Bti. Bti has been used throughout the world for more than 20 years and has demonstrated little or no risk to humans, pets, birds, or water quality. Individuals may use Bti products labeled for home and garden use in enclosed ponds and pools on their own property, as long as the water does not drain to natural waters such as lakes, rivers, streams or ground water.
Permits are required before pesticides can be introduced to lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands and must be applied by a licensed applicator. For more information, contact your local health district or the Department of Ecology.
The most important steps in protecting your family are to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitat around your home. Follow these tips:
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Media contacts: Leslie Thorpe, Dept. of Ecology, (360) 407-6848
Margaret Ainscough, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (360) 902-2408
Donn Moyer, Dept. of Health, (360) 236-4076
Mike Louisell, Dept. of Agriculture (360) 902-1813
West Nile virus Web page: http://www.doh.wa.gov/wnv
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
