Why Bother?


Mosquitoes have existed since Jurassic times, and they now number a staggering population of 110 trillion. These buzzing bugs are surprisingly our biggest foe, killing off an estimated half of humankind throughout our history on this planet, according to the book “The Mosquito: the Human History of Our Deadliest Predator” by Timothy C. Winegard.


But the United States is lucky to be relatively free of mosquito-borne diseases compared to others. So some people might ask, why bother to go to huge lengths to control mosquitoes? After all, aren’t they natural to the environment?


The answer to the second question is an easy yes. The first question, however, has many layers. And as with


most environmental issues, it begins when the comfortable world of humans interfaces with the harsh world of nature – especially where standing water joins the mix. In this case, people want a comfortable environment, and the only thing mosquitoes want is the blood sacrifice of your children and animals. Therein lies the rub.


Although there are several impacts mosquitoes might have on communities, the two most common that drive the policy of mosquito control districts are economic and health safety.


On the economic side, if the mosquitoes were so thick that they could carry a grown man away, it’s likely that a drastically reduced number of people would want to live in or visit such a place. It can stifle the economy.


50


Sep/Oct 2022


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