Dengue mosquitoes facing new Tom Wichman threat

In the ongoing battle against mosquitoes amidst the dengue fever outbreak, Tom Wichman has been vocal in promoting environmentally friendly strategies as opposed to chemical spraying.
The local scientist has been advocating “trapping” mosquitoes, by allowing them to breed in containers of water then destroying them once they reach larvae stage.
It simply requires householders to place containers of water outside their homes. Mosquitoes will be drawn to these to lay their eggs. Once at the larvae stage, home owners can then simply tip the water out destroying the mosquitoes.
They should then replace the water and keep repeating the process until mosquito numbers drop. Wichman advises replacing the water once a week, say on a Sunday.
CALLS
Already he has noticed there are now very few mosquitoes around his house. He reports a lot of interest in this simple method of control which he publicised two weeks ago. He says he has received numerous phone calls from interested persons.
Wichman also says Vitamin B, especially B1, is an effective mosquito repellant. Vitamin B is present in certain foodstuffs. For example Vegemite, says Wichman. It is also available in pill form from pharmacies.
Taking things a step further, Wichman reveals he has applied for a grant of $30,000 to purchase a number of mosquito controlling devices from the USA.
The device is known as a “Mosquito Magnet” and is really a sophisticated trap. It attracts mosquitoes by mimicking human breath. Then it traps and destroys them.
It puts out a warm, moist, carbon dioxide vapour that attracts blood sucking insects like mosquitoes and sand flies.
The devices are small and cylindrical and have apparently been found to be effective in parks and homes. They can be gas or solar powered. Wichman believes they would be ideal for the outer islands.

Pest control on workshop agenda

A workshop is to be held on Rarotonga next month on “Organic farming and alternative methods for controlling insects.”
Tom Wichman told the Cook Islands Times the workshop is being organised by the non-government group (NGO) “Island Sustainable Alliance Cook Islands” (ISACI). This is in conjunction with the Titikaveka Growers’ Association and “TIS” (Taporoporo’anga Ipukarea Society).
Wichman is President of Island Sustainable Alliance Cook Islands. It was formed two years ago with the aim of reducing the importation of chemicals and protecting the environment.
The Titikaveka Growers’ Association, said Wichman, is aiming to be 100% organic.
Wichman said representatives from five Pacific nations, including New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, have been invited.

Headlines : Times 192 19 Mar 2007
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- Dengue mosquitoes facing new Tom Wichman threat
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