Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
One result of the annual increase in rainfall during the spring and summer months is an increase in the number of mosquitoes in our area. While efforts have been made in the past to control these insects that many find to be a great source of annoyance, there are those who feel the mosquito should be greatly protected.
As efforts by environmental groups, such as “Save the ‘Skeeters” have gained traction, many are beginning to view the mosquito in a more sympathetic light. “We strongly feel that all creatures, including mosquitoes, deserve the same chance at living a happy life,” said a Save the ‘Skeeters spokesman. “Just because many mosquitoes feed on humans is no reason for humans to think mosquitoes don’t have a right to eat, just as humans do. Why do so many humans think they are any better or should have more rights than a mosquito?”
As a way of luring the organization to move their headquarters to Madison, the Madison County Commission decided to make Madison County a “Mosquito Sanctuary County.” As part of this effort, it has been suggested that residents refrain from killing any mosquitoes. In addition, in order to help the mosquitoes feed freely and happily, Madison County residents are encouraged to stop using any mosquito repellent in order to help all mosquitoes enjoy an undisturbed meal.
“We’re proud to announce that, effective Wednesday, April 1, our county will officially become the nation’s first Mosquito Sanctuary County,” said Madison County Manager Sherilynn Pickels. “This bold initiative reflects our commitment to biodiversity—no matter how itchy the outcome may be. By partnering with the ‘Save the Skeeters’ environmental group, and establishing their new headquarters right here, we’re ensuring that every mosquito has a safe place to thrive, breed, and, of course, continue its important work in... community engagement. We understand residents may have questions, but we encourage everyone to remain calm, wear long sleeves, and consider this an opportunity to give back—just a little.”
In keeping with this new outlook, the Madison County Mosquito Control Department will now be named “Madison County Mosquito Care and Control.” This new department will be changing from nighttime spraying to kill adult mosquitoes to daytime “feeding” spray missions. “This has been a long time coming,” said Mosquito Care and Control Director Jamie Willoughby. “This will bring our operation out of the literal dark into the daylight. We will be spraying a synthesized nectar during the day to provide food and nourishment for the mosquitoes in our county. As an added side effect, we will also be feeding the bees and butterflies in our community.”
Other suggestions proposed include property tax exemptions for “mosquito farms,” providing seeking grant funding to provide miniature “mosquito warming stations” in order to help mosquitoes survive cold winters and “reverse” tire roundups to provide more breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
“We appreciate our commissioners for being so supportive and proactive,” added Willoughby. “It will be interesting to see if other counties follow Madison County’s lead.”
Now before you feel obligated to allow a mosquito to make a meal of your arm out a sense of “civic duty,” just check the calendar and remember what day it is!