Collier Mosquito Barrier Research Report
Dr. Jeffrey Stivers, head of Research for the Collier Mosquito Control District in Florida, built an experimental 2,400-foot (730 m) mosquito barrier to protect the Stevens’ Landing Condominium Association. Then, for several months, he empirically measured the number of mosquitoes inside and outside the barrier, and he systematically recorded the level of satisfaction expressed by the residents of Stevens’ Landing. The research report concludes, “The system worked so well that the community at Stevens’ Landing voted to have it installed permanently.” The report goes on to say, “Once the system is installed and operational, the District will no longer need to aerially apply insecticide to the area, reducing the potential impact of such an application to the surrounding mangrove marsh environment.”
BioSensory believes this is breakthrough research on several counts:
- For the first time since tsetse flies were controlled with octenol baited traps in Zimbabwe 15 years ago, biological attractants have achieved a scientifically measurable success over a large area for an extended period of time.
- Stevens’ Landing is a worse case location. Mangrove swamps surrounding it are the breeding sites preferred by the black salt marsh mosquito.
- BioSensory octenol lures and Praxair CO2 were used to bring mosquitoes in contact with contact-pesticide treated “targets” which must be changed every two weeks, yet the operating cost per family is on the order of $5 to $10 per week. The Barrier is less expensive and more effective than temporary relief from repeated aerial pesticide applications.
- Technology such as Dragonfly barrier systems will have the ability to sense mosquito activity, turn itself on and off as needed, and optimize attractant emissions for the level of mosquito pressure will only increase effectiveness of barrier systems and lower operating costs still farther.
