I'm all for knocking out the Zika virus, with the introduction of the male mosquito which will eliminate mosquito offspring. However, the idea of spraying concerns me greatly. Will the spray that kills the mosquitoes also kill off the beleaguered butterflies? And what about the vast species of birds? Is this going to result in another Silent Spring?
The answer to the final question is, No. Modern pesticides have no effect on birds. I'm less sure about butterflies. That's probably a matter of where and when you spray.
Aedes aegypti mosquitos have arrived here, probably to stay. So we are at risk. New England, indeed most of the US outside the South should be OK. I think I saw a map of places at risk in the US in the Wikipedia article on the virus.
I have seen the map too. It is a serious problem, but there are sensible ways of dealing with it. The mosquitoes will be eradicated by introducing males whose "contribution" will yield only offspring who will die. Vaccines are in process. Meanwhile, people could use personal bug repellant and netting and air conditioning, as needed. To spray in great clouds as the photos have shown will kill mosquitoes, but not all as they prefer inside to outside (according to one article I read), and will likely kill butterflies and bees and more. Has anyone yet calculated the long-term effects of widespread spraying?
IIRC NYC and other cities already spray for mosquitoes for something else and those spraying programs have been controversial. getting rid of the disease-spreading mosquitoes is a good thing, but residents have many serious concerns about the spraying. It's one of those dammed if you do, dammed if you don't situations.
I remember visiting with my brother at Fort Wainwright, in Fairbanks. During the season, trucks went around the base continuously, fogging for mosquitos. I can't imagine there were any complaints--but Alaskan mosquitos are like true love; you have to have the experience to understand it. I recall the story about the alaskan prospector laying on his cot one night, listening to the mosquitos discussing whether they should eat him right there or carry him away to eat him. That's only half a joke. The scientists say that pound for pound, on the North Slope of Alaska during the summer, there are more mosquitos than all other forms of animal life combined. Think about how many mosquitos it takes to equal the weight of a single bear, or a single herd of caribou. And they actively pursue people--one can't escape them on foot. (I can personally testify to that.) Around here there are few, but they are now carrying some nasty viruses, or could. I know an attorney who went out one evening for a dip in his pool; he was bitten by a mosquito, and he came down with a severe case of West Nile virus--it nearly killed him; it disabled him for months. Other attorneys pitched in to help save his practice until he could work again.
Today was sunny and fairly mild here, with highs in the mid 40s.I'm hearing rumors of 50 on Saturday. Nice!
I wish people's pages on Facebook had the same search function as is on group pages. I spent about two hours this evening searching someone's page for an exchange I remember having with him. Never did find it. Fortunately, it's not vital, but eventually my fruitless search and the irritation it generated came to be about the principle rather than the actual exchange of remarks. I'm gonna find those blankity blank comments, by gum!
Y'know what's funny? I may be kind of busy right now, but it's coming at just the right pace so that it doesn't feel busy, and it's all the fun sort of busy anyway: baby quilting, prepping for Candlemas (*YES!!!*), got the living room shelves and cupboards rearranged to be more welcoming of the grands, Mah*Sweetie and I are planning a fun ramble this weekend, and I have some fountain pens waiting in the wings! This is going to be a sweet week! :-D
I've been overwhelmed lately, but seem to be considerably caught up for now, listener. Unlaxing this evening, preparing to go to be early to rest up for the weekend.
Dean inspires me to question...
ReplyDeleteI'm all for knocking out the Zika virus, with the introduction of the male mosquito which will eliminate mosquito offspring. However, the idea of spraying concerns me greatly. Will the spray that kills the mosquitoes also kill off the beleaguered butterflies? And what about the vast species of birds? Is this going to result in another Silent Spring?
The answer to the final question is, No. Modern pesticides have no effect on birds. I'm less sure about butterflies. That's probably a matter of where and when you spray.
DeleteThat is a relief, Bill. As long as Brazil and Central America uses the same modern insecticides as the USA.
DeleteAedes aegypti mosquitos have arrived here, probably to stay. So we are at risk. New England, indeed most of the US outside the South should be OK. I think I saw a map of places at risk in the US in the Wikipedia article on the virus.
ReplyDelete--Alan
I have seen the map too. It is a serious problem, but there are sensible ways of dealing with it. The mosquitoes will be eradicated by introducing males whose "contribution" will yield only offspring who will die. Vaccines are in process. Meanwhile, people could use personal bug repellant and netting and air conditioning, as needed. To spray in great clouds as the photos have shown will kill mosquitoes, but not all as they prefer inside to outside (according to one article I read), and will likely kill butterflies and bees and more. Has anyone yet calculated the long-term effects of widespread spraying?
DeleteIIRC NYC and other cities already spray for mosquitoes for something else and those spraying programs have been controversial. getting rid of the disease-spreading mosquitoes is a good thing, but residents have many serious concerns about the spraying. It's one of those dammed if you do, dammed if you don't situations.
DeleteI remember visiting with my brother at Fort Wainwright, in Fairbanks. During the season, trucks went around the base continuously, fogging for mosquitos. I can't imagine there were any complaints--but Alaskan mosquitos are like true love; you have to have the experience to understand it. I recall the story about the alaskan prospector laying on his cot one night, listening to the mosquitos discussing whether they should eat him right there or carry him away to eat him. That's only half a joke. The scientists say that pound for pound, on the North Slope of Alaska during the summer, there are more mosquitos than all other forms of animal life combined. Think about how many mosquitos it takes to equal the weight of a single bear, or a single herd of caribou. And they actively pursue people--one can't escape them on foot. (I can personally testify to that.) Around here there are few, but they are now carrying some nasty viruses, or could. I know an attorney who went out one evening for a dip in his pool; he was bitten by a mosquito, and he came down with a severe case of West Nile virus--it nearly killed him; it disabled him for months. Other attorneys pitched in to help save his practice until he could work again.
Delete--Alan
Hang onto your hats! GREAT post coming up at 1:00pm ET! :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks to everybody for the good wishes for Sis.
ReplyDeleteToday was sunny and fairly mild here, with highs in the mid 40s.I'm hearing rumors of 50 on Saturday. Nice!
I wish people's pages on Facebook had the same search function as is on group pages. I spent about two hours this evening searching someone's page for an exchange I remember having with him. Never did find it. Fortunately, it's not vital, but eventually my fruitless search and the irritation it generated came to be about the principle rather than the actual exchange of remarks. I'm gonna find those blankity blank comments, by gum!
I hope you found those dad gum comments, Cat. Been there! ♥
DeleteY'know what's funny? I may be kind of busy right now, but it's coming at just the right pace so that it doesn't feel busy, and it's all the fun sort of busy anyway: baby quilting, prepping for Candlemas (*YES!!!*), got the living room shelves and cupboards rearranged to be more welcoming of the grands, Mah*Sweetie and I are planning a fun ramble this weekend, and I have some fountain pens waiting in the wings! This is going to be a sweet week! :-D
ReplyDeleteI've been overwhelmed lately, but seem to be considerably caught up for now, listener. Unlaxing this evening, preparing to go to be early to rest up for the weekend.
ReplyDelete--Alan