New Mosquito Traps: Effort To Prevent Zika Virus

June 28, 2016

The Department of Health’s Vector Control team today [June 28] announced that it will be piloting the In2Care Mosquito Trap in Bermuda in the ongoing campaign to control mosquitoes.

“Bermuda is currently Zika free. As part of a concerted effort to keep the island Zika free, these new mosquito traps are designed to specifically attract the Aedes mosquito, which is the carrier and vector for Zika,” a spokesperson said.

“The trap offers an ideal spot for the mosquito to lay her eggs: it is dark and utilizes an odor lure. Once the female adult mosquito lands in the trap she is exposed to substances that are lethal to her and to her larvae [wig-wags].

aedes-albopictus Bermuda June 28 2016 TC

Armell Thomas, the programme manager for Vector Control and Port Health, said: “We have ordered a number of these traps and will place them in various parts of the island. We have one of the best mosquito programmes in the world and this new trap will further enhance our efforts.”

Minister of Health and Seniors, Jeanne Atherden said: “It is important to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses from taking hold in Bermuda, not just for our residents but for tourists choosing a destination and international business travelers who visit the island.

“Fortunately, Vector Control is well versed in preventative measures like the one we are introducing today and has a robust monitoring programme, but we must all do our part to keep Bermuda Zika free.”

The Department of Health  said they have been engaged on several fronts in the effort to keep Bermuda Zika virus free:

  • Collaborating with customs/immigration for port health travel monitoring
  • Performing heightened mosquito surveillance and door to door checks of properties for standing water and mosquito breeding – enhanced mosquito control education in the community
  • Partnered with the Caribbean Public Health Agency for Zap-a-quito game App
  • Close liaison and planning between the Ministry’s Epidemiology unit and BHB’s infection control
  • Providing advice to individuals and groups travelling to high risk areas on how to prevent Zika and what to do if affected to reduce the risk of introducing Zika to Bermuda
  • Media advisories on Zika for travelers are posted on the portal

Everyone can contribute to keeping Bermuda Zika free by controlling mosquitoes around their homes and workplaces. Residents must keep their environments mosquito free and inspect their property and empty standing water on a regular basis, especially after we have heavy rains. Buckets, spare tires, plant pots and fish ponds must be carefully managed.

Mr. Thomas added: “Check your property and eliminate all standing water and call Vector Control for assistance if you are being bitten. Bermuda is at risk for Zika – we must all work to keep Bermuda Zika free.”

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Comments (9)

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  1. I might be Kevin says:

    If these are a success, they should be sold throughout Bermuda. I would love one in my yard. We make sure any possible breeding grounds are thwarted but still have a mosquito problem.

    Those pesky neighbors haha.

    • I might be Kevin says:

      Looking at this video, although very informative, doesn’t instill confidence in me about this product for some reason. Seems really new and untested. I did some research and found some other products that seem more suited for ‘Island wide’ mosquito control.

      The three main mosquito trap brands in the following article seem more superior to a “water filled plant pot with nice mosquito perfume and deadly gauze”.

      http://www.mosquitoworld.net/mosquito-control/trap-reviews/

      Have a read.

      Anything that kills mosquitoes is GREAT and I am no scientist or expert on mosquitoes so I must put my trust in the DOH and Vector Control

  2. Bermuda says:

    Very happy to see that we are taking proactive measures to help prevent Zika here! I had the pleasure of meeting the “mosquito man” once during his rounds and he really knows his stuff :)

  3. Plants says:

    Along some parts of the railway there are bromeliad plants that collect water and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. My grandpa had some of these plants, and was asked to remove them. There are a huge number of them on the trail near Lantana’s gate.

    • Legalgal says:

      But most palms etc. Collect water and are breeding grounds. Cayman aggressively crop sprays but goodness knows what damage that does!

  4. Senior says:

    How about the Paget Marsh near to the SPCA – it provides a huge mosquito breeding ground!

  5. Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

    Other than travellers…We won’t have zika until they start injecting it.