Because Clark County is bordered on two sides by the Columbia River and by the Lewis River on another, nuisance mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) are the most prolific among the pests in Clark County. This "floodwater" mosquito hatches after fluctuations occur in water levels along the county's rivers. Surveillance activities carried out by our staff captured 11,000+ mosquitoes of 12 different species during the 2003 season.
There are many species of mosquitoes. Staff is trained and adept at identification, and has purchased equipment to analyze captured mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV). The majority of mosquitoes identified in Clark County this year were Aedes vexans and Ochlerotatus sticticus, followed by Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens. The Iowa State University web site has posted photos of some of these species, among many others.
What the mosquito control crew does
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Backpack application in the field |
- Surveys public catch basins, retention ponds, and other likely breeding areas for mosquito activity
- Samples waters in known and unknown breeding areas for the presence of mosquito larvae
- Treats breeding areas with larvacide when mosquito larvae are present
- Traps mosquitoes, identifies species and tests for the presence of mosquito-borne disease such as West Nile virus
- Monitors public parks to aid in curtailing mosquito nuisances
- Provides public information and education
More mosquito-related information
- Controlling mosquitoes at home
- Washington State Department of Health (DOH) West Nile virus info
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mosquito-borne diseases info
