While most people understand the harm that mosquitoes can cause, some people in the rural areas have accepted the problems caused by mosquitoes as part of the rural life. There are, however, many reasons as to why you in your farm should strive to control mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are disease vectors. They are, for example, the major carriers of West Nile Virus in California and malaria parasites within the tropics. They also attack pets and livestock. Due to the hazards that are associated with mosquitoes, the property values in areas infested with mosquitoes drop significantly. This causes labor problems in such areas.

Control of mosquitoes can be done in two broad ways; control of mosquito larva and pupae and control of adult mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae normally live in water and adding chemical or biological substances harmful to the mosquito kills them. Adult mosquitoes live on land, either indoors or outdoors LARVAE AND PUPAE CONTROL

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Bacteria

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis is one of the most commonly used bacteria. The gut of the mosquito larvae activates the bacterial toxin. It is, however, harmful to some organisms such as midges and blackflies. Bacillus sphaericus is another bacterium harmful to mosquitoes. They are available in their live states and are very effective when used to control culicine mosquitoes.

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis is a small fish that feeds on mosquito larvae. It is not native to many places around the world, but mosquito control strategies have ensured that they are widespread globally. You as an ordinary citizen are not allowed to introduce this fish to your fish pond or water body by yourself. You should contact the relevant government department for advice

CHEMICAL CONTROL

Oils

Since mosquito larvae develop in water, oil from a biological source can be poured into a water body where the mosquito larvae live. This will ensure that the larvae are deprived of oxygen and will die with time. The Golden Bear Oil is the oil that is used currently.

Growth Regulators

Some of the chemical substances can mimic natural substances that halt growth. Methoprene is one such chemical which when applied causes delayed development of the larvae. If the mosquitoes do not mature, they cannot reproduce.

ADULT MOSQUITO CONTROL

Biological Control

There is currently not a very effective biological method for adult mosquito control. In as much as dragonflies, bats, swallows, and damselflies feed on adult mosquitoes, they cannot reduce mosquito populations to desirable levels. Having some swallow nests or bat nests on the farm is, however, desirable as every small step is helpful.

Broad-Spectrum Insecticides

Depending on where you stay, there are a number of broad-spectrum insecticides that the government has approved. Licensed public health officers are the only ones allowed to apply these insecticides. Most of these chemicals are harmful to most insects, mosquitoes, as well as other life forms. Pyrethroids and organophosphates are the two major components broad-spectrum insecticides. They have neurotoxins that affect the process of nerve cell development. Care must be exercised while handling these chemicals as they are harmful to human beings and livestock. Conclusion

Mosquitoes are undoubtedly some of the leading disease vectors ever known. Their adaptability to the environment and their effective survival skills has made mosquito control very difficult. Considering the harm they can cause to humans as well as livestock and pets, it is important that we keep fighting them. There are many ways of mosquito control, but where possible, biological methods should be prioritized