Abstract Mosquito Control Through Education Directed at Elimination of Container Habitats. David Brackin, Chain of Lakes Middle School, Orlando, Florida 2011 Hypothesis: Mosquitoes are vectors for disease and discomfort and a part of life in Florida. Understanding of the larval habitat and life cycle of the mosquito can help lead to activities that end that cycle and thus lower the negative impact on humans and pets in Florida. Experiment: There is a series of three stand alone labs. If all three days of lab are followed students will collect and observe mosquitoes, at different stages of their life cycle, to determine the species, common hosts, medical impact, and larval habitat of that mosquito. This information will be used to determine how they can help eliminate the habitat. Observation: The collection of mosquito larva can be a problem during certain times of the year. This project has the best results during spring or summer when the mosquito population is at its peak. Contacting the local Mosquito Control Department of your county can eliminate this problem. Orange County Mosquito Control was willing to give larva to the investigator. The fragility of the dead mosquitoes can be rectified by taping the specimen to a white 3x5 index card. The specimens quickly fall apart if handled too much. The students had a tendency to rush through the Common Mosquitoes of Florida packet thus misidentifying the specimen. When correctly identifying the mosquito and correctly filling in the chart found on the lab students gained an understanding that there are a number of different mosquito species in Florida that feed on a variety of animals and plants in Florida and that they as an individual can possible have an effect on the mosquito population. Conclusion: The fact that all mosquitoes don t feed on humans and the number of species in Florida was new information for most students. The reality that there are a number of diseases associated with the mosquito for humans and pets was also a discussion point. The major learning point was that there are ways that humans can have an effect on mosquito population and thus help control mosquito population. Application: Formalized education programs directed at elimination of container habitats have been effective for many mosquito control agencies. This project will replicate those programs. Methods (What approaches - exam, group activity, etc did you use?)
The buzz is that I can help control mosquito populations: a lab day 1 Today we will start a three day examination of the mosquito population in our neighborhood. The t minute film Integrated Management for Mosquito Control will help you understand the life cycle, habitat, possible danger and how you can help control mosquito populations in your environment. Watch especially for the habitat of mosquitoes. 1 What is a habitat? 2 In what habitat would you find mosquitoes? 3 What is the definition of population? 4 Where on our school campus do you think we could find mosquito larva? 5 Which stages of the mosquitos life cycle do you think we will find on our school ground 6 What equipment do we need to collect larva if we want to bring them back to the classroom? 7 What safety rules do we specifically need to follow for this lab? We will now go outside and look for larva in the areas that you have suggested 8 Did you find any larva or pupa? Fill in the chart below Potential habitat Total number seen Was water present Yes or no Retention pond Cups (plastic/styrofoam tires bottles cans buckets Standing water (puddles) Others (list them below) Mosquito larva pre Yes or No
The buzz is that I can help control mosquito populations: a lab day 2 Today we will observe the stages of the mosquito s life. See the diagram below to help you underst the life cycle of the mosquito. In the next few days, after the larva have become adults, you will do two of the lab. You will use the mosquitoes in the water sample and the card to identify the stages. Observe the sample of water to fill in the chart below. Number observed eggs larva pupa adult You will watch the individual organisms for two minutes and then fill in the chart below. Organism 1 Life cycle behavior Organism 2 Organism 3 1 Make a hypothesis as to what the mosquito larva eats. 2 Make a food chain (of at three organisms) with the mosquito as one member of the cha
The buzz is that I can help control mosquito populations: a lab day 3 A In identifying species of mosquitoes there are several key characteristics that are helpful. Th field guide Common Mosquitoes of Florida identifies the adult species by photograph but more importantly by characteristic. In today s lab you will observe the remains of a dead mosquito and use the field guide to identify its species and other characteristics about the individual. Key characteristics of mosquitoes are normally found on the thorax, abdomen, legs, or wings. Use th hand lens (or stereomicroscope) to observe the preserved specimens and then the Common Mosquit of Florida ID Deck to identify the individual species. Use the chart found below after you have made positive id of the species. Be careful some species look similar but have differences in the body parts listed above. B Identify the body parts of the mosquito picture found below. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Results, outcomes: Students were successful in identifying the mosquitoes and understanding the concepts in the three days of activities. Modifications, suggestions for future implementation. The purchase of prepared mosquito slides would be good to have as a control for the lab. Those slides have the species of mosquito identified so could be helpful in helping students know if they recognize the mosquito for what species it is. The project went well so I don t have modifications at this time Please include examples of methods, assessments, pictures, and results, as applicable. b. Other key information: How did you accomplish your aims/objectives? My hope was that students would become familiar with mosquito habitats and the fact that mosquitoes carry disease for humans and their pets. My main objective was to familiarize the students with the fact that they could directly affect the population of mosquitoes in their own community by keeping water filled containers at a minimum. Describe the student population in which the activity was tried. The project was conducted with 6 th grade students (11 to 12 year olds). The ethnicity breakdown was 38.3% black, 29.5% white, 23.6% Hispanic, 5.2% Asian/Pacific lslander, 3.1% multiracial What additional activities/outcomes? (in-service, site visits, etc) The activity was shred with Beverly Montsdeoca, Mosquito Control Specialist Orange County Mosquito Control for use in her education program. The labs were also shared with the three other Life Science teachers at Chain of Lakes Middle School How have you helped spread to community? See above How are you disseminating the information gained during the Summer Institute? See above How has this helped you personally? I ve gained insight into the need to educate the general population as to how easy it is for them to help control mosquitoes. The power point presentation that I developed also helped me hone skills with that program.
Mosquito Control Through Education Directed at Elimination of Container Habitats. David Brackin, Chain of Lakes Middle School, Orlando, Florida 2011 Hypothesis: Mosquitoes are vectors for disease and discomfort and a part of life in Florida. Understanding of the larval habitat and life cycle of the mosquito can help lead to activities that end that cycle and thus lower the negative impact on humans and pets in Florida. Experiment: Students will observe the dead bodies of adult mosquitoes to determine the species, common hosts, medical impact, and larval habitat of that mosquito. This information will be used to determine how they can help eliminate the habitat. Observation: The collection of mosquito larva can be a problem. Contacting the local Mosquito Control Department of your county can eliminate this problem. Orange County Mosquito Control was willing to give larva to the investigator. The fragility of the dead mosquitoes can be rectified by taping the specimen to a white 3x5 index card. The specimens quickly fall apart if handled too much. The students had a tendency to rush through the Common Mosquitoes of Florida packet thus misidentifying the specimen. When correctly identifying the mosquito and correctly filling in the chart found on the lab students gained an understanding that there are a number of different mosquito species in Florida that feed on a variety of animals and plants in Florida and that they as an individual can possible have an effect on the mosquito population. Conclusion: The fact that all mosquitoes don t feed on humans and the number of species in Florida was new information for most students. The reality that there are a number of diseases associated with the mosquito for humans and pets was also a discussion point. The major learning point was that there are ways that humans can have an effect on mosquito population and thus help control mosquito population. Application: Formalized education programs directed at elimination of container habitats have been effective for many mosquito control agencies. This project will replicate those programs.
The buzz is that I can help control mosquito populations: a lab A In identifying species of mosquitoes there are several key characteristics that are helpful. The field guide Common Mosquitoes of Florida identifies the adult species by photograph but more importantly by characteristic. In today s lab you will observe the remains of a dead mosquito and use the field guide to identify its species and other characteristics about the individual. Key characteristics of mosquitoes are normally found on the thorax, abdomen, legs, or wings. Use the hand lens (or stereomicroscope) to observe the preserved specimens and then the Common Mosquitoes of Florida ID Deck to identify the individual species. Use the chart found below after you have made a positive id of the species. Be careful some species look similar but have differences in the body parts listed above.
B Identify the body parts of the mosquito picture found below.
Find the mosquito species that you have and fill in the chart below with the correct information. Scientific name of specimen Characteristics 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 Primary larval habitat Medical importance Common host Feeding time
8 Which mosquito sex feeds on blood? 9 What is unique about species Toxorhynchites? Give two reasons that mosquitoes are a problem for humans and other animals. 11 12 Name 10 possible larval habitats for mosquitoes 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 According to the article Mosquito Control Through Source Reduction containers such as flowerpots, cans, pet bowls, and tires are excellent habitats for several Aedes and Culex species. Both of these species are nuisances to humans and other animals. Make a hypothesis as to why this habitat is so common among Florida homes. 24 What is a simple way to combat the mosquito s population that has its larval stage in containers?
Preparation for the activity The collection of mosquito larva can be a problem. Contacting the local Mosquito Control Department of your county can eliminate this problem. Orange County Mosquito Control was willing to give larva to the investigator.
Collection of Specimen in Containers Collection proved to be a problem this year.
Standing water
Your county Mosquito Control can be helpful in obtaining specimens
Securing your specimen Mosquito Breeders The mosquito breeder is a BioQuip designed product providing a simple method for rearing sample collections of mosquito larvae taken in the field. A water sample containing larvae is placed in the bottom portion. A plastic lid between the two sec1/1/2001 1425 MOSQUITO BREEDER. $13.15 Qty 12+ $11.85 Mini Mosquito Breeder This smaller size mosquito breeder is useful where space is limited or where smaller populations of mosquitos are being reared or studied. It is constructed with two 16-oz. (pint) clear polystyrene jars, vinyl funnel and 20 X 20 mesh aluminum screen1/1/2001 1425DG MOSQUITO BREEDER 16 OZ. JAR $9.95 Qty 12+ $9.45
Bromeliads and plants
In identifying species of mosquitoes there are several key characteristics that are helpful. The field guide Common Mosquitoes of Florida identifies the adult species by photograph but more importantly by characteristic. In today s lab you will observe the remains of a dead mosquito and use the field guide to identify its species and other characteristics about the individual. Key characteristics of mosquitoes are normally found on the thorax, abdomen, legs, or wings. Use the hand lens (or stereomicroscope) to observe the preserved specimens and then the Common Mosquitoes of Florida ID Deck to identify the individual species. Use the chart found below after you have made a positive id of the species. Be careful some species look similar but have differences in the body parts listed above.
The observations of the dead mosquito
Observation is best done with a hand lens or stereomicroscope
The buzz is that I can help control mosquito populations: a lab A In identifying species of mosquitoes there are several key characteristics that are helpful. The field guide Common Mosquitoes of Florida identifies the adult species by photograph but more importantly by characteristic. In today s lab you will observe the remains of a dead mosquito and use the field guide to identify its species and other characteristics about the individual. Key characteristics of mosquitoes are normally found on the thorax, abdomen, legs, or wings. Use the hand lens (or stereomicroscope) to observe the preserved specimens and then the Common Mosquitoes of Florida ID Deck to identify the individual species. Use the chart found below after you have made a positive id of the species. Be careful some species look similar but have differences in the body parts listed above.
Find the mosquito species that you have and fill in the chart below with the correct infor Scientific name of specimen Aedes vexans Culex nigripalpus Characteristics 1 white scale abdomen 2 yellow/black rings on abdomen 1 7 segment mostly darkscaled 2 1 2 3 Primary larval habitat Medical importance Common host Feeding time Floodwater from rain Dog heartworm Humans, livestock, mammals Dusk, dark, shady areas Ditches, containers St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile Generalist night
Examples of mosquitoes observed Culex nigripalpus Aedes vexans
8 Which mosquito sex feeds on blood? female 9 What is unique about species Toxorhynchites? They don t feed on blood Give two reasons that mosquitoes are a problem for humans and other animals. 11 disease 12 pain Name 10 possible larval habitats for mosquitoes 13 Containers/tires 14 swamp 15 salt marsh 16 lake/ pond 17 polluted water 18 bromeliad 19 cattails 20 tree holes 21 crab holes 22 floodwater 23 According to the article Mosquito Control Through Source Reduction, containers such as flowerpots, cans, pet bowls, and tires are excellent habitats for several Aedes and Culex species. Both of these species are nuisances to humans and other animals. Make a hypothesis as to why this habitat is so common among Florida homes. Many homes have decorative planters, birdbaths, and bowls for pets outside. 24 What is a simple way to combat the mosquito s population that has its larval stage in containers? Dump containers weekly or more
Lab material Common Mosquitoes of Mosquito Breeders The mosquito breeder is a BioQuip designed product providing a simple method for rearing sample collections of mosquito larvae taken in the field. A water sample containing larvae is placed in the bottom portion. A plastic lid between the two sec1/1/2001 1425 MOSQUITO BREEDER. $13.15 Qty 12+ $11.85 Mini Mosquito Breeder This smaller size mosquito breeder is useful where space is limited or where smaller populations of mosquitos are being reared or studied. It is constructed with two 16-oz. (pint) clear polystyrene jars, vinyl funnel and 20 X 20 mesh aluminum screen1/1/2001 1425DG MOSQUITO BREEDER 16 OZ. JAR $9.95 Qty 12+ $9.45 Florida
Lab material 1-800-226-1764. Common Mosquitoes of Florida ID Deck SP 370 This useful ID deck is designed to help Floridians identify 33 different mosquitoes they might encounter. Full-color photographs clearly illustrate each species. Information such as habitat, medical importance and state locator maps appear on each card. This laminated ID deck is pocket-sized at 3" x 4" and bound with two removable, metal rings. Price: $12.00