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End-of-season compilation of surveillance and treatment data for 2020 showed, as expected, permanent water mosquito species were the abundance of trap counts, larviciding inspections showed more focus on public access areas (ditches and catch basins) than backyard inspections due to COVID safety protocols, and adulticiding treatment was about average as permanent water mosquito counts required consistent attention for weeks. With the season wrapping up at the end of September and the cancelation of the October 7F Training Seminar, BCMC staff has been fortunate to have a few months to finally work on some of our end-of-season projects in a timely manner.
With the COVID pandemic, there have been many opportunities for virtual learning and webinars. Staff continues to learn in a variety of areas including virtual participation in regional mosquito control meetings, regulatory compliance, and leadership training. Staff has undertaken a 30-hour OSHA General Industry training in order to ensure safety and compliance in our program. Lessons learned will be implemented to improve the facility and training of our employees. Staff also participated in an in-house mosquito identification training to expand knowledge of mosquito biology. The 2021 control season is already mentally underway with the expectation that next year will look similar to 2020. As we now have a year of operating under Pandemic Protection Plans, we should be able to start the control season a bit more smoothly. Control material decisions for 2021 were discussed with the intent to increase the use of extended residual products for longer lasting treatment in consistently wet areas near the Saginaw Bay. All regulatory permits were submitted by the end of the year to ensure compliance. After a challenging year, we are more mindful of keeping our PERSPECTIVE on the positive things, above all, valuing our health and a dedicated, conscientious team. Wishing continued health and safety to you all! Rebecca Brandt, Manager |
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This winter we have a number of lessons learned to document from the 2020 season. The expectation is that modified work conditions will continue into 2021 due to the pandemic. Some of the restrictions are undetermined, but we may still be limited in the number of personnel who can work in close proximity. And will we be able to transport two in a vehicle??
The other residual effect from 2020 are the dam failures. The drainage of Sanford Lake created exposed areas that may serve as newly emerging mosquito breeding habitat. Intentional survey of these areas will be necessary until such time as the lake is returned. And the habitat may not be that easy to navigate. The flood happened at a time when cottonwood seeds were ubiquitous, and they fell on productive soil when the lake drained. They are growing fast, which will make for an added challenge to restoring the lake, and for navigating on them in the meantime. Perhaps this is the time to put Doug’s drone pilot skills to work as we survey these areas. Other coming 2021 goals include obtaining and operating slide spinners to sample ULV fogging coverage, continued refinement of our GIS tools and programs, modifications to our spring aerial program, and prioritization/labelling of our summer habitats. The MMCA conference, which will be virtual this year, should be a good program. With no need to travel, we are able to feature a few speakers from around the country (and Canada). As our first virtual conference, it is certainly new territory for us, but expect that it will be a beneficial endeavor. Hope to see you in February. Carl Doud, Director |
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Happy New Year & welcome to the start of the 2021 season! Not in the sense that mosquitoes are out but the time to formalize our plans to tackle the upcoming season’s mosquito challenges. SCMAC continues to incorporate new technology to further increase competency and efficiency. This year we will bring a real-time GIS solution on board for adult control, integrate new equipment and trap technologies, establish an insectary, and look at wide-area larva control solutions.
Our Annual Report for 2020 is available on our website, www.saginawmosquito.com. Staff is busy preparing for 2021 finalizing our Program Plan; repairing and outfitting our vehicle fleet; recruiting; updating special service lists and maps; developing and refining employee training; updating the website; and exploring other public communication options. We will accept summer job applications through March 15, 2021. Interested individuals can apply directly online or via our website. Interviews will be held in February and March, with our annual training session scheduled for April 3rd and 4th 2021. Thank you to all of our employees and vendors that provided great service and made an unusual 2020 a success. William Stanuszek, Director |
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Happy New Year !!
The 2020 season finished up on a good note October 8, considering being in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak. Our Equipment Technician has detailed and winterized all vehicles and equipment. Trucks, which received minor damage, have been sent out for repair. Maintenance has begun on all handheld and backpack equipment. Lisa has completed the task of storing records and updating forms for the upcoming season. Final drafts of the annual report are being reviewed. The hiring process has begun to hire technicians for the 2021 season. We are fortunate this year, to only have a few positions to fill. Our full time staff will be attending the virtual Michigan Mosquito Control Conference in February. Larry Zapfe, Director |
