Using Natural Predators to Control Mosquitoes
Natural predators have a role to play in mosquito control, but by themselves, they probably won’t be able to control all of your mosquito population – especially if the population is exceptionally large, as may be the case after a hurricane or period of particularly hard rain. When there are high rates of mosquito borne diseases – West Nile Virus for example – you may want to pursue mosquito elimination more aggressively.
Unfortunately, while there are a number of anecdotal claims about the effectiveness of natural predators, there’s very little hard scientific evidence. In addition, the studies that do exist generally took place in a controlled environment which can’t accurately mimic natural conditions. And, of course, it would be difficult to measure changes in the number of mosquitoes living in any given section of nature – at least not with any type of scientific accuracy.
Still, natural predators certainly aren’t harmful and they’re likely beneficial to the local environment, so there’s no reason not to encourage predators known to prey upon mosquitoes. These natural predators are usually most effective in ponds and canals, where the habitat can support a wide variety of wildlife that feeds on insects.
Where there are bodies of water, the “mosquitofish”, or Gambusia affinis, is a good choice. This fish is a voracious predator when it comes to mosquitoes. In fact, it’s been said that they can consume from half to one and one half times their body weight each day in small invertebrates like the larvae of mosquitoes. The fish bears live young – up to three to six broods each season – with from 10 to 300 fry per broods. For this reason, a number of mosquito control districts have used this natural predator with great results.
Conversely, the ability of the purple martin to control mosquitoes has been greatly overestimated. Yes, these birds do eat mosquitoes, but they make up only three percent or less of the martin’s diet. Martins primarily feed during the day, which isn’t when most mosquitoes are most active. They also feed on other natural predators of mosquitoes, including dragonflies. Purple martins are a better choice if you have a problem with Japanese beetles.
The ability of the bat to control mosquitoes is often overestimated, as well. Bats will eat mosquitoes if they’re there, but they don’t generally go out of their way to seek them as a preferred food source. While they may not be the best choice for getting rid of mosquitoes, they do help control a number of other harmful pests, and are considered to be beneficial animals when they make their home in your yard or garden.
Dragonflies are another natural predator of the mosquito and while they consume their fair share, again, they don’t kill mosquitoes in numbers that will make a significant change in the local population. However, dragonflies remain in their aquatic larval stage for quite some time – up to six years – and during this time they can make a dent in the local population of mosquito larvae.
The Interesting Mosquito
Mosquito. The one word that can make you itch just by hearing it. We all think that we know the basic facts of mosquitoes. They are pests that bite, buzz, and down-right aggravate. Is this really all there is to know about the mosquito?
One of the major misconceptions of this insect is that they all suck blood. But this fact is just not always true. The truth actually leads us to the realization of their mass population. Mosquitoes are a special insect indeed, and contrary to popular belief, only the adult females bite for a blood meal. Surprisingly enough the average adult mosquito actually survives on a diet consisting of plant material, such as nectar and juices.
Female adults only feast on blood meals at a certain point in their reproduction stage. A few days before they lay their eggs they consume a blood meal to promote the health of the eggs by supplying them with protein. That is the only time they will bite for blood. Otherwise they are feasting on plants with the males.
To be precise; there is one specific genus, or family, of mosquitoes that does not partake of blood meals at all. This particular classification of mosquitoes get plenty of protein when they are in the larvae stage so they do not need to ingest blood to produce healthy eggs. A few other mosquito families only feed on frogs, while others have been known to feed on other insects, and even other mosquitoes. Sounds strange, but it’s true.
Ever wonder why a mosquito bite itches? And why you hardly catch them when they do bite? The mosquito is actually a fully equipped insect. When they bite, They inject a chemical that helps to reduce the pain of the bite and prevent clotting of the blood. It seems like a very ingenious chemical. The person doesn’t know their being bitten until the mosquito is gone. The chemicals cause a delayed irritation in the skin and this is why itching occurs.
It seems that these insects are more than buzzing, biting creatures. There are special intricacies to their design, and this design can sometimes work to our benefit. It is true that they do bite, the bites do itch, and we do get ‘bugged’ by them sometimes. The general concept that all mosquitoes bite is just not true, but that’s not to say that there aren’t quite a few of the bitters in populous. So no matter how interesting they may actually be, always remember the repellant when going into their territory.