In an effort to combat disease-carrying mosquitoes, St. Louis County is utilizing a unique approach that involves citizen participation and the use of a mobile app called Mosquito Alert STL. The app allows residents to upload pictures of mosquitoes they encounter, enabling entomologists to track species and identify any new arrivals.

Led by biologist Dave Sayers and his team, the program focuses on monitoring the mosquito population, particularly the Culex species that are known to carry diseases such as West Nile virus. The team surveys the 250 trap sites in St. Louis County throughout the mosquito season, which typically spans from mid-March to late October.

The Mosquito Alert STL app, developed in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden, has played a crucial role in identifying mosquito species that are not typically found in the region. Being the first U.S. city to deploy the app, St. Louis has been able to swiftly respond to the arrival of new mosquito species.

St. Louis residents are encouraged to participate in the citizen-science program, as their contributions are vital in helping entomologists monitor mosquito population trends. With global trade facilitating the movement of mosquitoes through cargo ships, there is an increased risk of new species reaching the city.

Jean Ponzi, the green resources manager at MoBOT, emphasizes the importance of individual efforts in combating the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes. As temperatures rise, mosquitoes' reproduction cycle accelerates, prompting them to migrate northward in response to shifting climates.

While St. Louis has already witnessed the arrival of the Aedes albopictus, or tiger mosquito, which is known to transmit diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, there have been no locally spread cases of Zika virus in Missouri. However, the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, poses a greater risk if it establishes a population in the area.

To reduce mosquito populations, St. Louis County and the city offer mosquito fogging upon request from concerned residents. However, before resorting to fogging, inspection of the area is conducted to explore alternative management options. Integrated management for mosquitoes, emphasizing targeted control of larvae populations, is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Biologist Dave Sayers suggests several preventive measures that residents can take. These include removing standing water where mosquitoes breed and investing in a fan. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and a fan can help keep them at a distance, preventing them from feeding on humans. Sayers also highlights that BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a bacterium that is safe for the environment, can effectively control mosquito and blackfly larvae.

St. Louis County's proactive approach to mosquito control, driven by citizen participation and technological innovation, sets an example for other regions in combating disease transmission. By staying vigilant and implementing preventive measures, residents can make a significant impact in reducing the mosquito population and safeguarding public health.