What is Physical Control?

Physical control, also known as source reduction, environmental manipulation, or permanent control, is one part of the District’s Integrated Vector Management (IVM) program. Physical control is accomplished by eliminating mosquito breeding sites or modifying these sites to favor natural predation or to be unfavorable to mosquitoes. This can be as simple as properly discarding old containers such as tires or buckets, or as complex as controlling salt marsh mosquitoes (Aedes squamiger and Aedes dorsalis) utilizing tide control structures and/or drainage ditches. The District performs maintenance on drainage ditches in tidal marshes primarily with hand tools between the months of September and January.

 

Physical Control/Source Reduction in and around your home

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District encourages Alameda County residents to conduct source reduction at least once a week, including emptying stagnant water in bird baths, pot saucers, and buckets, cleaning gutters, and removing yard litter, tarps, or water toys. Most mosquito species complete their life cycle within a week so this is a crucial step. We also recommend that residents check containers holding plant clippings or used for plant propagation, especially those that are moved between indoors and outdoors.

Use our backyard checklist for tips on how to get started!