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Tips and Tricks

4 tips for mosquito inspections

Dr. Chris Keefer, BCE, of Syngenta, shares four tips tips to use when conducting mosquito inspections.

Chris Keefer
Dr. Chris Keefer, technical services manager at Syngenta Professional Pest Management

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Chris Keefer
Dr. Chris Keefer, technical services manager at Syngenta Professional Pest Management

A thorough mosquito inspection is critical for analyzing property prior to treatment and identifying breeding sites. Use these tips when conducting your inspections:

1. Be thorough:

  • Document conducive conditions, including requisites of life (food, water, harborage).
  • Look for cryptic breeding sites.
  • If allowed, take pictures during the inspection.
  • Share inspection results with clients and explain how they can help reduce mosquito breeding sites on their properties.

2. Practice proper identification:

  • Ensure the mosquito in question is a species you can control with your treatment protocol.
  • Typical target species include Aedes aeqypti and A. albopictus, which are urban residential mosquitoes.

3. Develop a protocol:

  • Use the appropriate equipment and familiarize yourself with how to repair it.
  • Understand the product(s) being used for treatment.
  • Use proper application techniques based on the equipment and product(s).

4. Communicate effectively:

  • Be upfront and direct with clients.
  • Explain the biology of the target species, along with treatment processes and expectations.
  • Consider using pictures in addition to written and verbal communication.