Benton takes new approach to mosquito abatement

Benton residents will no longer be annoyed by a mosquito truck running up and down city streets at dusk during the summer months.
Evan Stewart of Get MOST Termite and Pest Control is taking a different approach in attacking mosquito abatement.
Soil in ditches is the breeding ground for mosquitos, Stewart told members of the Benton City Council last week. As a result, Stewart said, applying larvicides and an occasional adulticide are the suitable courses of action.
Council members said they get many calls during the summer months inquiring why more spraying isn't taking place. Stewart and other pest control experts are of the opinion the spraying has little effect after 30 minutes. Stewart volunteered to take calls from residents to explain why the larvicide treatments are more effective.
Ditches and growth along railroad tracks seem to be major contributors to the mosquito problem, especially the north/south tracks north of Lawrence Street to Illinois Avenue, south of Lickliter, and the east/west tracks from South Main Street along both sides of the tracks beside West Center Street to the city limits.
Stewart said there are overgrown ditches crossing personal property in several areas of the city. One of these runs from the western end of West Park Street to West Bond Street. From there, it goes under North Main and proceeds along East Bond as either an open ditch or a buried culvert to the railroad tracks along Grand Street.
"We can't get rid of every mosquito in town without the help of the homeowners. What the city can do is take care of those areas over which the city has responsibility," Stewart said. "What I plan to do is place larvicides in the storm sewer drains (over 500 in all) and identify those areas that are problem areas where water is standing because vegetation is preventing the storm water from draining properly."
Stewart emphasized that he would not go on private property.
"The most important part of mosquito control in our city is the cooperation we get from the homeowners and residents. We have lots of ditches that need to be cleaned out and there are literally thousands of sidewalk and driveway culverts in front of houses. Over time, the soil that is in that ditch builds up and what it does is provide a place for that water to sit in that culvert. Eggs are being laid there developing into adult mosquitos," he continued. "You can't get bit by a mosquito that's never been born and that's what drives me."
Stewart suggested the city develop a social media campaign to educate the public on suggestions to eradicate the mosquito population. Rachel Gartner, the city's marketing and public relations representative, said the city will follow up on Stewart's suggestion. Additionally, the city is expected to continue its tire recycling program.
Stewart will provide the mosquito abatement at a cost of $8,680 through February 2018. Weekly treatments will be administered through the summer months of June through August, according to the contract approved at the council meeting.
Mayor Fred Kondritz made three appointments at Monday's meeting. Lisa Meno was appointed to the Fire and Police Pension boards, and Darrell Ice was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Benton Airport Board.