KDCA Expands Evidence-Based Scientific Pest Control
"Also Effective in Preventing Pesticide Misuse"
As an early heatwave continues, the unwelcome summer guest, mosquitoes, are already appearing. The mosquito population typically increases from mid-June, but depending on this month's average temperature, there is a possibility that the mosquito population will increase earlier than last year.
The optimal temperature for mosquito growth is known to be between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius. Along with the appropriate temperature, adequate rainfall supports active mosquito activity. However, extreme heat above 30 degrees, heavy rain, or drought actually reduce mosquito activity. This is why mosquitoes tend to be more aggressive in early summer and early autumn rather than during the midsummer heatwaves.
Accordingly, the government is seeking effective methods to eliminate mosquitoes. The plan is to conduct control operations based on scientific evidence.
On the 18th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced, "As a result of implementing 'scientific control' by installing Daily Mosquito Surveillance (DMS) devices and digitizing control activity data, the number of mosquitoes has decreased by up to 30%."
DMS is a device that attracts and collects mosquitoes using carbon dioxide. It emits carbon dioxide continuously for 24 hours to lure mosquitoes living within a maximum radius of 100 meters, then captures them by suction through the air.
Scientific control determines whether and how often to conduct mosquito control based on the number of mosquitoes collected by the DMS. The DMS sprays attractants during mosquitoes' main active hours, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., collects mosquitoes, and uses counting sensors to measure the mosquito count to decide on control measures.
If mosquito control is performed but the mosquito population does not fall below the threshold, additional mosquito breeding sites are identified and controlled. Mosquito density, species-specific habitats, and control activity records are managed digitally using the Vector Control Geographic Information System.
This method differs from the traditional approach of conducting control a fixed number of times per jurisdiction without vector information, and it also helps reduce the overuse of insecticides.
Previously, in 2021, the KDCA conducted a pilot project of 'evidence-based mosquito control' using DMS and the Vector Control Geographic Information System at the Cheonan-si Seobuk-gu Public Health Center. In 2022, the project was expanded to five public health centers in Michuhol-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City; Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do; Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si; Icheon-si; and Paju-si.
As a result of this control method, the average daily mosquito count per month decreased by 30.3% in Paju-si, 29.3% in Icheon-si, and 13.6% in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. The number of control treatments also decreased by 66.1% in Icheon, 25.7% in Cheonan, and 5.6% in Gimpo, while complaints decreased by 70.0% in Suwon, 43.8% in Cheonan, and 20.6% in Paju.
Accordingly, the KDCA expanded the evidence-based mosquito control project this year to 13 public health centers in Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk provinces. Support for control education, consulting, surveillance equipment, and control systems will also be increased.
Ji Young-mi, director of the KDCA, said, "By minimizing the use of insecticides, local residents will be able to live safe and healthy lives free from the risks of mosquito-borne infectious diseases."
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