| Frio Nature Conservancy |
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| MOSQUITO CONTROL How We Do It |
FNC's major goal is to prevent the West Nile Virus from spreading across the US in pandemic
proportions. With the use of modern technology and a highly skilled FNC staff, we are able to track
the mosquito and its natural predator, the bat, with a high degree of accuracy. We know where the
bats are (FNC manages the Frio Cave located in Garner State Park, Texas, home to what we
estimate to be 40 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats) and we know what they eat, the dreaded
mosquito. We also know where the mosquito populations are, so by educating the public with
preventive measures and providing local Vector Control authorities with their local Hot Spots and
recommendations, the mosquito can be controlled early on, before they are able to transmit the
WNV.
HOW WE TRACK: We employ the use of a doppler radar system, known as NEXRAD (operated by
NOAA). After many years of research we know the specific density of the Bat and the Mosquito. We
gather this data, analyze it and where possible and with the assistance of volunteers and the FNC
staff make a physical visit to the site to document and photograph the suspected HOT SPOT
(mosquito breeding ground). This data can then be furnished to the local Vector Control with
recommendations of measures to eliminate the HOT SPOT. To learn more about NEXRAD click here.
HOW WE DETERMINE WNV PRESENCE: FNC takes a somewhat different approach from the usual
methods in determining the presence of WNV. `We know that bats eat mosquitoes in large
quantities and we know that bats produce guano, so why couldn't we analyze the guano for the
presence of the WNV ? A couple of problems existed with this approach, to begin with we had to
know the specific area that the bats ate their prey and where they deposited the guano. To solve
this problem FNC has erected BAT HOUSES to lure bats to a specific area, once the bats occupy the
house it then becomes a collection site. These bat houses along with other natural habitats serve
as collection sites for the guano, we know that the bat will stay fairly close to home, therefore, the
guano will represent a sampling of the local area, within a reasonable degree of accuracy. FNC,
obviously, cannot erect bat houses or collect guano from across the country. FNC solicits local
interested volunteers to provide this service. OK that problem appears to be overcomed, the next
problem was to get the guano tested. After extensive research, FNC located a laboratory, in
Canada, that had the capability of doing a DNA analysis of the guano to determine if the bat had
eaten an infected mosquito. The results are normally received within 3 days and afford us with the
detection of the virus at which time we alert the local Vector Control of the results. This method
elevates the risk factors involved in collecting and delivering live mosquitoes for analysis and is
every bit as accurate.
HOW DO WE EDUCATE: FNC provides information to the general public through this website, local
news stations (TV & Radio), and where possible provide presentations to Schools, Civic
Organizations, Local Events and Local Governmental Entities.
Our educational materials center around Bat Conservation and Mosquito control.
Visit our Facts Page to learn more.
proportions. With the use of modern technology and a highly skilled FNC staff, we are able to track
the mosquito and its natural predator, the bat, with a high degree of accuracy. We know where the
bats are (FNC manages the Frio Cave located in Garner State Park, Texas, home to what we
estimate to be 40 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats) and we know what they eat, the dreaded
mosquito. We also know where the mosquito populations are, so by educating the public with
preventive measures and providing local Vector Control authorities with their local Hot Spots and
recommendations, the mosquito can be controlled early on, before they are able to transmit the
WNV.
HOW WE TRACK: We employ the use of a doppler radar system, known as NEXRAD (operated by
NOAA). After many years of research we know the specific density of the Bat and the Mosquito. We
gather this data, analyze it and where possible and with the assistance of volunteers and the FNC
staff make a physical visit to the site to document and photograph the suspected HOT SPOT
(mosquito breeding ground). This data can then be furnished to the local Vector Control with
recommendations of measures to eliminate the HOT SPOT. To learn more about NEXRAD click here.
HOW WE DETERMINE WNV PRESENCE: FNC takes a somewhat different approach from the usual
methods in determining the presence of WNV. `We know that bats eat mosquitoes in large
quantities and we know that bats produce guano, so why couldn't we analyze the guano for the
presence of the WNV ? A couple of problems existed with this approach, to begin with we had to
know the specific area that the bats ate their prey and where they deposited the guano. To solve
this problem FNC has erected BAT HOUSES to lure bats to a specific area, once the bats occupy the
house it then becomes a collection site. These bat houses along with other natural habitats serve
as collection sites for the guano, we know that the bat will stay fairly close to home, therefore, the
guano will represent a sampling of the local area, within a reasonable degree of accuracy. FNC,
obviously, cannot erect bat houses or collect guano from across the country. FNC solicits local
interested volunteers to provide this service. OK that problem appears to be overcomed, the next
problem was to get the guano tested. After extensive research, FNC located a laboratory, in
Canada, that had the capability of doing a DNA analysis of the guano to determine if the bat had
eaten an infected mosquito. The results are normally received within 3 days and afford us with the
detection of the virus at which time we alert the local Vector Control of the results. This method
elevates the risk factors involved in collecting and delivering live mosquitoes for analysis and is
every bit as accurate.
HOW DO WE EDUCATE: FNC provides information to the general public through this website, local
news stations (TV & Radio), and where possible provide presentations to Schools, Civic
Organizations, Local Events and Local Governmental Entities.
Our educational materials center around Bat Conservation and Mosquito control.
Visit our Facts Page to learn more.
FNC WELCOMES ANY INFORMATION THAT VIEWERS MAY HAVE REGARDING THE WEST NILE VIRUS IN THEIR AREA - SIMPLY GO TO OUR CONTACT US PAGE - TELL US YOUR CITY AND THE INFO YOU HAVE WEST NILE VIRUS IS 100% PREVENTABLE TOGETHER WE CAN STOP THE VIRUS Volunteers are needed to help us in this battle by supplying photos of HIGH RISK areas in their locality, collection of guano for DNA testing, act as our liaison with local governments and educating the public on the seriousness of this battle. Interested? Contact us GOT A STORY? SHARE IT HAVE A QUESTION? WANT TO READ OTHER STORIES? VISIT OUR FORUM |
