Many people believe that “Mosquito Control” is only the loud flashing truck you hear at night, spraying mist out the back of it.  However, it is quite the contrary.  In a fully integrated pest management (IPM) operation, there is much more involved behind the scenes.  Larvaciding plays the biggest role in terms of the Alamosa Mosquito Control District’s (AMCD) IPM. Approximately 65% - 70% of our District’s mosquito control efforts are geared toward larvicide control.  The goal is to control mosquito larvae populations by eliminating them while they are still in condensed areas and in their growth (non-biting) stages.  Within the boundaries we service, there are large amounts of standing water which provide mosquitoes with their ideal breeding habitat.  Our larvicide crews seek out water that provide habitat for growing mosquito larvae.  Our crew members often walk great distances or use Side-by-side ATV's to check the water for larvae by using a dipper cup (a cup attached to a 4’ stick).  Once larvae are found, there are several factors we consider before treating the water with larvicide.