War against mosquitoes ongoing Published May 6, 2011 By 6th Civil Engineer Squadron MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The war against mosquitoes is a never-ending battle. MacDill uses two sources to help fight them: our local entomology contractor and Hillsborough County. Larval control assistance is provided by MacDill's pest control contractor and Hillsborough County Mosquito Control. The pest control contractor, ENSYNC DMS Inc./American Services Technology Incorporated, inspects roadside ditches and pools of water for larvae. HCMC uses helicopter inspections for mosquito larvae. HCMC uses a granular larvacide, while ENSYNC DMS Inc. uses a liquid larvacide and applies by spraying from a truck. Fogging is the most effective means of controlling adult mosquitoes and is performed during early morning or dusk. ENSYNC DMS Inc. initiates mosquito fogging operations based on their own observation of mosquitoes, requests from customers, and requests from Public Health. During mosquito season, ENSYNC DMS Inc. typically fogs once or twice per week. When mosquito populations are critically high, or there are disease vectors present, HCMC helicopters assists with spraying Dibrom insecticide from the air. This is the most effective weapon to quickly knock down mosquito populations, but if used too often, becomes less effective. As another control measure, Clark is requesting approval to install fountains in the retention ponds in housing. Residents and base members can help control mosquitoes by reducing breeding sites. Anything that holds water is a potential breeding site. Swimming pools, bird baths, and outdoor plant containers should be emptied twice weekly. Even a toy bucket left outside can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Gutters and downspouts should be routinely cleaned. For more information, call the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management office at 828-2991.