Finding the Connection to Wetlands
By
David E. Wilson, Jr.
Photos by: David E. Wilson, Jr
 ver
the past few decades tons of misinformation has been exchanged regarding
the types of wetlands that are good for mosquito larvae production
and which are not. To clarify these issues it should be made clear
that the types of wetlands used for stormwater management, wildlife,
and water quality are an integral part of the equation and that
aerial adulticide mosquito spraying is self-perpetuating.
 irst,
shallow wetlands, which are used in the newer stormwater management
ponds and which are being created for wildlife and water quality
by entities are better for controlling mosquitoes than deeper ponds.
 eople
often think of fish as consummate larvae eaters. This is true but
they pale in comparison to their insect and amphibian counterparts,
which crush mosquito larvae in healthy, shallower wetlands. Deeper
stormwater management ponds are not only mosquito breeders, but
they also don't dry up in the summer like most shallow wetlands.
They have poor habitat for predatory insects and amphibians (fish
eat amphibian eggs and mosquito-eating insects), and they provide
a direct conduit for nutrients and chemicals into groundwater.
n
the other hand, shallow wetlands give sanctuary to frogs, salamanders,
dragonflies, damselflies, diving beetles, water striders, and backskimmers
— all of which are mosquito-guzzling machines. They are also
native species unlike most fish placed in the deeper ponds. The
majority of West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are breeding in urban
areas with old or no stormwater management. These Culex mosquitoes
typically breed in small bodies of water that are exposed to direct
sunlight. These include puddles in asphalt, old tires, flowerpots,
dirt roads or anywhere without vegetation or predators.
urthermore,
spraying expensive pesticides has unwittingly killed the amphibians
and insects that eat mosquitoes thereby rendering the need for chemical
spray self-perpetuating. Aerial mosquito spray kills insects that
fly. It does not discriminate. A new crop of mosquitoes can emerge
every 7-14 days but it takes a year to replace many of their predators.
 lready
mosquito-ridden states like Georgia and Florida have abandoned comprehensive
state spraying programs in exchange for creating proper wetlands
and educating the public. It's time we caught up to the curve.
 tudy
after study demonstrates that restoring impacted wetlands to their
natural state is the best way to control mosquitoes. Shallow, forested
wetlands also serve as the primary means to recharge groundwater
and clean runoff before it enters waterways so this effort can have
a dual function.
 hus
an alternative control method, with several long-term benefits,
is to preserve and restore natural wetlands with adequate mosquito
bionomics in mind. The advantages are twofold. By providing proper
habitat for natural enemies, restored wetlands retain their functions,
hold water longer, and allow for native vegetated communities which
support amphibians and predatory insects.
 etlands
also control flooding, which induces widespread mosquito outbreaks
when water gets to places it shouldn't be and simply sits there.
We should also step up enforcement of those illegally filling natural
wetlands.
he move to cease building deeper wetlands, to restore natural, shallow wetlands and to phase out chemical controls must continue moving forward.
Contact Dave Wilson
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