New Biotech Solution for Controlling Mosquitoes

April 7th, 2003 - SpringStar LLC has introduced a new Mosquito Trap to battle mosquitoes that may transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis. Sold under the OakStump Farms brand name, the Mosquito Trap uses a naturally-based mosquito pheromone that imitates special egg-laying places to draw mosquitoes to their death before they can bite again. This "locator" biochemical is the compound used by the insects to invisibly mark breeding sites where they lay their eggs. It draws mosquitoes into the re-useable trap where, once inside, they cannot find the exit and eventually tire and drown. The trap uses a patented insect trap design to simply and effectively kill mosquitoes without the use of toxic chemicals. The system is based on the biology and chemical ecology of the Culex mosquito variety, which is known to be the primary transmitter of West Nile Virus.

After the female mosquito bites an infected animal or bird, the blood meal develops her eggs in 2 to 5 days. She then flies a short distance to lay eggs and comes back to bite again. If the first host is infected, this second bite transmits the diseases to the new host. The OakStump Mosquito Trap prevents that second fatal bite by drawing egg-laden females to their death. The traps, which retail for about $10.00, are re-useable, non-toxic, and safe for the environment. The ½ gallon traps are about the size of a coffee can, and are used at a rate of 2-4 traps per average sized yard or 4-16 traps per acre depending on mosquito intensity and wetness of the area. Each trap contains a pheromone lure and has easy instructions on the side of the container. Simply add 4 cups of warm rain or pond water with some local vegetation and the special packet of mosquito egg pheromone to the trap. The trap can then be left undisturbed, just checked once or twice a week to ensure adequate water remains. The traps can be used all season long, starting as soon as temperatures exceed 50 degrees. SpringStar recommends replacement of the mosquito egg pheromone and water every 4-6 weeks for best results.

The OakStump Farms Mosquito trap is designed to trap some of the most common mosquito varieties that transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis, Dog Heartworm and others. Mosquito viruses can cause fevers and aches and can lead to a possible fatal swelling of the brain. According to office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year the United States recorded more than 4,000 cases of West Nile virus and 277 related deaths. Humans are not the only victims of mosquito-borne illnesses – domestic farms animals such as horses and chickens can be infected and can suffer the severe consequences as well. There are over 700 species of mosquitoes just in North America alone. Different mosquito species transmit malaria and yellow fever, diseases that are coming back with a vengeance since so many toxic pesticides have been banned across the US.

For more information, visit www.springstar.net