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VECTOR CONTROL Vector Control changes approach to controlling mosquitoes Agency changes approach to controlling the bugs By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 8, 2015 @ 12:01 am Geoff Taylor, Assistant Manager of Jackson County Vector Control District in White City, talks about larvasiding for mosquitoes off of Table Rock Road. By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 8, 2015 @ 12:01 am » RELATED CONTENT • Mosquito control » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Jackson County Vector Control's efforts to take down pesky mosquitoes now requires a few more steps before the agency can spray and kill the bugs.  Vector Control manager and biologist Jim Lunders says the agency is now required to verify the types of mosquitoes, then use that information to find likely areas where larvae are developing. Lunders says dozens of mosquito species live in the Rogue Valley, and their larvae develop in different environments.  "You can't just go spray for adult mosquitoes anymore," Lunders says. "We need to be going out and finding these larval sources and controlling the mosquitoes there first."  With the new process, Vector Control technicians can spray populations at their source, map them, and hopefully eliminate the problem altogether, he says. It's a more meticulous process, but Lunders says it should also be more efficient in the long run. Jackson County Vector Control District was formed in 1968 as a public agency to deal with mosquito and fly populations. The agency operates under state authority but has its own board of trustees appointed by the county Board of Commissioners, along with a budget funded in part by property taxes.  Lunders says the shift in approach comes from recent changes in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit program, created by the Environmental Protection Agency and typically issued through a state's environmental quality department as a way to control water pollution. Under the new guidelines, vector control agencies must follow integrated pest management standards, which include first identifying the pest problem, evaluation of the appropriate options, then determining the best use of pesticides. Spraying adult mosquitoes is a "secondary" control method, except under epidemic conditions, the website states. Vector Control received about 3,000 calls for service last year, with many from the same callers dealing with adult populations that just kept coming back, Lunders says. "We were transitioning this way anyway," he says. "It's just a better way to do what we do."  Vector Control's website details several "surveillance techniques" technicians can use to verify the mosquito problem's severity before spraying. They include tracking the larval habitat — using traps, landing rates and adult mosquitoes collected by property owners — and treating if necessary. Lunders says the agency tries to do everything within about two days but it can take up to a week.  "Once we know all the larval sources have been controlled in that area ... then we'll do adult mosquito application," Lunders says. “We’re trying to fix the problem rather than just put a Band-Aid”  Spraying for adults will sometimes last only a short time, says the Vector Control website, www.jcvcd.org , as they can easily repopulate and require multiple treatments.  "Long-term control of the mosquito problem can only be achieved by controlling the larvae at the source," the site reads.  Some Medford residents aren't thrilled about the new changes. Sandy Abell, who lives near Hoover Elementary School, says technicians used to be johnny-on-the-spot with spraying in their area in years past. She's concerned that waiting for the evaluation process will mean more mosquitoes in the neighborhood. “I realize it’s not their fault, it’s mandated from somewhere on high,” Abell says. “(But) I’m not excited about the prospect of waiting to the middle of summer when we’re inundated. It just seems counter-productive.” In the midst of the changes, Vector Control officials say the public can help reduce mosquito populations, too. Standing water such as  flooded fields, watering troughs, birdbaths, wading pools, clogged gutters and old tires should be eliminated, as they can yield new mosquito populations in seven days.  For protection from bites, outdoor enthusiasts should wear  long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquito repellents containing DEET, picardin or lemon or eucalyptus oils are most effective in keeping the bloodsuckers away.  Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 8, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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