Important Information Regarding West Nile and Mosquito Breeding

Sometimes, even healthy wetlands may harborlarge numbers of mosquito species that carryWNV. Unlike Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, themajor WNV vector in western states, prefers tobreed in clean water. Therefore, it may benecessary to use appropriate mosquito controlmeasures to prevent WNV disease transmission.

Wetland Restoration and West Nile/Mosquito Control

Prior to its restoration in 1999, the two-acre Edmond Avenue wetland was in critical condition. Residential development near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, had partially filled the wetland, and urban and stormwater runoff had contaminated the water. Increased sedimentation had reduced the extent of open water, and invasive plants choked out native species.

By 1996, the continued degradation of the Edmond Avenue wetland transformed the ecosystem into a major breeding site for mosquitoes, including the Culex species primarily responsible for West Nile transmission. During 1996-1999, the application of mosquito larvicides and sprays jumped to 4-5 times per year, a four-fold increase from the previous 15 years. Since its restoration in 1999, the Edmond Avenue wetland no longer requires mosquito control measures. The restored wetland lacks stagnant depressions and is deep enough in some areas to support fish that eat mosquitoes. Wave action also disrupts mosquito breeding. Results have been astonishing—a near 100% reduction in mosquito habitat and the virtual elimination of Culex species, not to mention improved water quality and bird habitat.

Mosquito

Why Should You Create A Butterfly Garden?

Have you noticed you do not see as many butterflies as you once did? It is sad that we do not see as many butterflies as we might like. You can change that by planting a butterfly garden.

There are many reasons that we don’t see many butterflies. One is the destruction of their habitat. Every day more and more spaces of open land are being used to build houses, apartments, and businesses. When the woods and fields are cleared, there is no place for butterflies to live and raise their young.

Butterflies are especially affected by land development. Because butterflies and their caterpillars require specific kinds of plants and habitats, land development has caused their numbers to drop. One species, the Xerces Blue, has already become extinct through alteration of its habitat. Many more are threatened and on the endangered species lists.

Another reason for the decline in butterfly populations is the wide use of pesticides. Farmers use them to control the insects that threaten to destroy their means of making money. Homeowners use them to prevent the destruction of their homes from termites and the destruction of their yards from the pests that eat their flowers, grass and shrubbery. Many places do widespread spraying to kill disease-bearing mosquitoes. These pesticides, while not targeted at butterflies, do kill them too.

We need insects. Many plants depend on insects to distribute their pollen from one flower to the other. We would have no vegetables, or pretty flowers to enjoy for that matter, if it were not for the insects that pollinate them. Butterflies are important plant pollinators. They, as well as other insects also fill an important role in the food chain. Many birds depend on insects for food.

So construct a butterfly garden and create the habitat necessary to help preserve these beautiful creatures. Remember, don't use pesticides.

Keywords: butterfly gardening, butterfly garden, butterfly gardens, creating a butterfly garden

About the Author
Christi Vega,
Learn more about butterfly gardens
Christi Vega is the author of "The Joy and Serenity of Creating A Butterfly Garden". Go to http://www.abutterflygarden.com to learn how you can create a beautiful garden that attracts these marvel winged creatures to your home. You may reprint this article in its entirety as long as the resource box is included.

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Author: Christi Vega

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