Long before spring showers hit New York City, mosquito prevention was in full swing at Columbia. University staff have been carefully surveying areas for over six weeks in an effort to identify possible mosquito breeding locations, areas where water is likely to collect. As problems such as clogged drains or gutters and roof-top puddles are found, Facilities Management and IRE staff are correcting them. Columbia is taking steps to support New York City's efforts to reduce the risk of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus and the need for more aggressive tactics for mosquito control when summer arrives.

After a wet spring last year, New York City was overtaken with the usual pesky summer-time mosquito population, but in some cases, last year's bites came with deadly consequences. The elderly, the young and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to West Nile, a mosquito-borne virus found to be the cause of seven deaths and neurologic disorders in 62 other victims in the greater New York metropolitan area last year. The outbreak triggered aggressive spraying for mosquitoes by both city government and its citizens. Fortunately for Morningside Heights, no area residents were known to have contracted symptoms associated with the West Nile virus. This year the University is stepping up its efforts to help control the mosquito population in the area.

"City officials have been very clear on what they want private landlords to do to limit the mosquito population this year. As a landlord and holder of some of the largest privately-owned green spaces in Manhattan, we feel it is our responsibility to do our part," said Mark Burstein, vice president for Facilities Management. "Hopefully through a preventative approach to mosquito control, we can help protect the health of our community."

For six weeks, in addition to routine maintenance checks of the physical campus and off-campus buildings, university staff have been carefully surveying areas in an effort to identify the locations where water is likely to collect. As problems such as clogged drains or gutters and roof-top puddles are found, Facilities Management and IRE staff are correcting them.

"Prevention is the first step," said Loretta Greenholtz, director of Environmental Health and Safety at Columbia. "This year, to control the mosquito population, we will utilize culture control methods that will alter the micro-climate of areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed. This means cutting back densely foliated areas with large overgrown shrubs, which often create excessive shade and inhibit the drying of lawns and flowerbeds. By taking this approach we are limiting mosquito breeding areas, and at the same time we are strengthening the longevity and health of our ornamental areas."

As for mosquitoes that may have survived the winter, a further step in prevention will be the targeted application of a pyrethroid, a naturally-occurring insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower, to flowerbeds and shrubs around campus. The treatment is scheduled for May 7th in the early morning hours (between 4 and 6 a.m.). Baker Field will also be treated.

Beginning in April, when mosquitoes begin breeding and continuing throughout the summer, the University will be using a mild solution of water and household bleach to treat areas where the presence of water is difficult to control, including sewers, drain lines, stacks and chimneys. To determine if further measures should be taken, staff will be monitoring the local mosquito population through mosquito traps set up on campus in the densely foliated areas around Journalism, Lewison, Butler Library and John Jay.

"Every four to six days until the first freeze, expected in late October to early November, we will be monitoring the mosquito population around campus and will determine next steps on an ongoing basis," said Greenholtz.

Last summer, the University treated potential mosquito breeding grounds, such as flower beds on campus and Baker Field, with pyrethrum. No organophosphates or environmentally-hazardous chemicals were used and treatment was localized.

To reduce the chances of an outbreak of West Nile virus this year, New York City health officials are urging people to rid their yards of places where mosquitoes can breed. Trouble spots according to city officials include: junk piles, under-chlorinated pools, clogged gutters, puddles, dirty bird baths (change water regularly), clogged drains, children's pools and old tires.

More information about pyrethroids may be accessed through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety website. Information on the West Nile Virus is available through the Office of Health and Related Services Website.