Mosquitoes have met their match

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Starting today, the 10th Medical Group Public Health office will be placing mosquito traps in areas throughout the Academy.

The traps will be placed in "high-people traffic areas," including base housing areas, the child development centers, installation gate entrances, Jacks Valley and other places throughout the Academy.

According to Senior Airman Anthony Arroyo, a public health technician here, the traps are not intended to get rid of the mosquitoes but to trap them for testing.

"The purpose of the traps is testing," Arroyo said. "We want to ensure that the mosquitoes aren't carrying harmful illnesses and diseases intended for humans."

The trap most commonly used on base is the New Jersey Light Trap. The trap combines two types of attractions for the mosquitoes: CO2 and light. The trap emits CO2 and also has a small light attached that is powered by a small battery back. Mosquitoes are drawn to the light and a small fan attached to the trap pushes the mosquitoes into the net at the bottom of the trap. The traps will usually be placed in trees 6-8 feet off the ground with a battery pack placed in the tree.

"Once caught, we freeze them and send them off to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for testing," Arroyo said.

Wright-Patterson conducts tests on the mosquitoes for any and all illnesses and diseases to include the West Nile Virus.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, West Nile Virus was first detected in Colorado in 2002 and the species that transmits the virus usually starts emerging in late April to early May. The highest risk period for human exposure is generally from late June through early September.

Public health will distribute the traps twice a week at night and retrieve them the following morning, every week up until October. If any of the mosquitoes are found to have any harmful diseases, Public Health will alert the public.

"We are here to educate," Arroyo said.

Arroyo continued that if person notices a high volume of mosquitoes in their area to call the Public Health office.

"We can get a trap out there, test the mosquitoes and even give some education on ways to get rid of the mosquitoes," he said.

For more information concerning mosquitoes or the traps contact the 10th MDG Public Health office.