You published two stories about pest control this week. Both of them have serious, irresponsible omissions.
The mosquito article did not mention the most basic element of mosquito control, i.e., eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Some common mosquitoes breed in small amounts of water found in clogged gutters, old tires, buckets, etc. The second article presented regular pesticide applications as the primary alternative for controlling household pests. Although some situations require pesticides, there are many nonchemical strategies that people can use to manage common pests without the risk associated with pesticides. Before applying pesticides, determine what attracted the pests and make the area less appealing. Try to eliminate food and water available to the pest population.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on nonchemical strategies that can reduce dependence on pesticides. Information about IPM is readily available from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Call your local agent and visit the UGA entomology web site http://entomology.ent.uga.edu for ''Keeping Pests Out of the Home with Fewer Pesticides'' and other information about controlling household pest problems. For future articles about pesticides or pest control, please remember that the University is right across the street.
Dr. Paul Guillebeau
Associate Professor of Entomology, UGA
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Thursday, June 6, 2002.