Back Talk

GREAT MOSQUITO STORY

While not a proponent of mosquito control being performed by the commercial pest control industry, I would like to applaud the article written by the researchers from the University of Kentucky in the May issue of PCT (page 44). In my opinion, their concluding paragraph should be highlighted.

The types of mosquitoes which are of public health importance in my area of the country (those mentioned in the article) are best controlled by emptying out small containers, gutters, pots, etc. Known as "source reduction," it is a form of sanitation that should be preached by exterminators, just as they would in commercial kitchens. Larvaciding is of equal importance.

Unfortunately, this concept falls into the realm of Integrated Pest Management which many find too hard to sell. Source reduction, however, has been proven to be the most cost effective and efficient form of mosquito control, and should be utilized before resorting to adulticiding efforts.

There are many species of mosquitoes and all have different environmental factors governing their development and transmission of disease, if any. It is important, therefore, to understand this when suggesting a "magic wand" for curing all mosquito evils.

Finally, while the idea of allowing a homeowner comfort in their own yards is welcome, I would like to appeal to all (whom would take on mosquito control as part of their business) not to utilize diseases such as West Nile virus as a scare tactic in order to make a sale.

E.P. "Jake" Lekan

Alleghany/Roanoke City Health Districts

Roanoke, Va.

FROM AN OLD FRIEND

I have a confession to make. For years, I had received PCT issues and read them only hurriedly in between various duties. But recently, while visiting my son and his family in Kew Gardens, N.Y., for my 90th birthday party, I had a chance to read the PCT March issue from cover to cover. I did not realize what I had been missing all these years when I did not make time for a thorough reading of each issue.

Except for occasional contacts with other pest management people, I had little exposure to the vast changes in the industry. Reading every page was a revelation of the advances in pest management. Besides the excellent articles, I found each and every advertisement especially informative. It was almost as good as attending a major pest management conference.

Dan Moreland’s article on the changing face of termite control was something I would expect from a college professor, not a journalist. I appreciate Dan’s evenhandedness in describing competing systems for controlling termites.

I was invited to give a talk this August for the Pennsylvania Pest Management Association on the past, present and future of the industry. I am well qualified to talk of the past. Your article helped me clarify the current trends. Regards to your super staff of creative journalists.

Harry L. Katz

Board Certified Entomologist

Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Editor’s note: PCT Editor Jodi Dorsch recently caught up with former PCT columnist Harry Katz just days after his 90th birthday. If you’d like to wish Harry a "happy birthday," e-mail jdorsch@giemedia.com for his e-mail address.

Readers are invited to write to PCT Letters, 4012 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113 or send an e-mail to jdorsch@giemedia.com. Letters may be edited for space or clarity.