VOL. XI NUMBER 1 May, 1999
I begin this year as your first recycled President - 76th and 87th. This simply means I have been in mosquito control a long time, 40 years in the year 2000. Our attention seems to turn to the past with the dawn of a new millennium. This is good. We can learn from history.
At the turn of the previous century, thoughts of New Jersey citizens, legislators, and health personnel were very much on mosquitoes, their diseases, and their extermination. J. B. Smith at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University, began surveys and legislation was contemplated to begin stamping out the "nuisance and plague" of mosquitoes within the State. Mosquito Extermination Commissions were established as a result of legislation passed in 1906, that in 1912, became Title 26, Chapter 9, of the Health Laws of New Jersey (amended several times).
Throughout the century we proved we could control (not exterminate) mosquito nuisance and diseases with ever improving technologies, materials, research, and good old-fashioned hard work. Funding was a problem in the early years and is still a problem today. The more things change the more they stay the same.
Some of our Commissions have become agencies within County departments mostly because of charter changes in County government but almost I 00 years later, 20 out of 21 Counties still have some form of mosquito control practices in place. The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers is still a hub around which the counties revolve and upon who we depend. Newer additions the State Mosquito Control Commission and the Office of Mosquito Control Coordination in the Department of Environmental Protection are now integral parts of the mosquito community. The County, the State, the University - a triangle that works!
New things are happening. Several of our agencies and Commissions are beginning to become involved in tick research, surveillance, and control as a result of new diseases and new legislation passed in 1996, almost 100 years after the original mosquito laws were born.
As we approach the year 2000, let's take a look at our past, pick out that which was good, leave out that which was bad, learn from our mistakes, and move forward to the future. We will have a chance to celebrate our 100 years of mosquito control in New Jersey when we host the American Mosquito Control Association joint meeting with the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association March 11-16, 2000, in Atlantic City. AMCA began in New Jersey as the Eastern Mosquito Control Association. It is fitting that the President of AMCA, Bill Zawicki, is from New Jersey for this celebration. We need to work hard to make this an outstanding landmark meeting.
As we work together to join our past and our future, we find many new variables added to the mix. There are new species, new agencies, new regulations and legislation with which we must deal. New and old vector-borne diseases are again emerging. We now have a National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, a symbol of a job well done by a group of dedicated people over the years. Fifty years ago, no one needed a reminder of the mosquito problem. Being outdoors at dusk during the warmer months of the year almost anywhere in New Jersey grabbed everyone's attention. Let's all participate in NJMCA's statewide event for Mosquito Control Awareness Week on Sunday, June 20, at Long Beach Island. Make it a family day and get everyone involved. We need representation from ALL County commissions and agencies. It's not only educational but it's fun, too.
We have come a long way but we have a long way to go. New challenges, new technologies, new techniques, new people, new laws, new equipment, new funding; all against a very old old insect specie that has been around for a very long time.
Have a good season. See you in the Fall!!
Judy Hansen, President, NJMCA
NEWS FROM THE 86th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NJMCA, Inc.
Awards and Resolutions
I would like to open this article by thanking all the members of the awards and resolutions committee for all their work on this year's awards which made this year's presentation their usual success. I would also like to give Howard Emerson a special thank you for his work on the resolutions which honored our departed loved ones.
This was a productive but unusual year. Some changes took place. The 25-year service award was changed from a paper scroll to a small hanging wall plaque. Eleven people received the award this year. They are from Burlington County, Dominick Chappin Jr., Raymond Parks, and Frank R. Soomes from Morris County, Kenneth W. Armstrong and Gene A. Shaw. Middlesex County was John Kranz. There were also three individuals from Bergen County who received there seven years for some unknown reason. Ann Marie Grangly, Sovino Grootimboar, and John Kaffenberger. It was the feeling of the committee that if you devoted 25 years or more to mosquito work, an award of this type was appropriate.
Mr. Duane Copley, who is retiring in 1999 and who has been a commissioner in Warren County for 21 years, received a well deserved honorable mention.
This year's achievement award was presented to Mr. Russell Johnson who retired in June 1999 after 30 years of service in Cumberland County. Unfortunately, Russ was unable to be with us to receive his award. Bob Kent did a very commendable job accepting for Russ. Thanks again, Bob.
The renamed association award, which is now the Bunnie Hajek Award, was presented to Aaron Rappaport. This presentation gave me exceptional pleasure. Bunnie considered Aaron a second father, and for me to present this award was a deep honor. We all are aware of Aaron's many years of dedicated service. Unfortunately Aaron was unable to make it from his Florida home. State Commissioner Tom Sellers accepted on Aaron's behalf.
At the March State Commission meeting our president, Judy Hansen, officially presented Aaron with his award. Thanks Judy, the NJMCA is still in good hands.
The committee also took other actions! It was decided to establish a 12 plate wall plaque for the achievement award to be hung in the Headley Lake conference room. However, due to the committee going over budget, this plaque will have to wait until next year, or other funding must be approved. We also voted to secure a 12 plate wall plaque for the Bunnie Hajek Award. An anonymous donor, has volunteered to pay for the purchase of the plaque and pay for the engraving of the tags. Thanks to that donor!
On a personal note, John Kuschke, get well quick - we need you!
Mike Hajek, Awards and Resolutions Committee Chairman
New Officers
At the business meeting of the 86th Annual Meeting of the NJMCA, Inc. held at Bally's Park Place Hotel Casino on March 30, 1999, the following were elected as the officer of the Association: President, Judy Hansen (Cape May County MEC), Ist Vice President, Howard Emerson (Cape May County MEC), 2nd Vice President, Rod Schmidt (Mliddlesex County MEC), Secretary, Dr. Wayne Crans (Rutgers MR&C), Treasurer, James McNelly (Rutgers NR&C).
The following trustees were elected as at-large trustees to the Executive Committee: Scott Crans (Sussex County Mosquito Control), Alan Juszcyk (Passaic County Mosquito Control) and Thomas Candeletti (Ocean County MEC).
Five regular members of the Association were elected to be at-large trustees to the Associations' Board of Trustees: Claudia O'Malley (Burlington County Mosquito Control), Lisa Reed (Rutgers MR&C), Dr. Donald Sutherland (Rutgers MR&C ret.), Mike Romanowski (Ocean County MEC) and George Hamilton (Rutgers University).
NEW JERSEY MOSQUITO EXPO 1999
In the fall of 1998 the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association's Public Relations Committee surveyed mosquito control agencies around the state to get feedback on the Associations participation in a statewide public relations event. The following general statements were made with regard to the survey:
The vast majority of survey participants felt that public education is a valuable too in the mosquito control field and have participated in some form of public relations activity.
The target audience for these activities should be the general public first then the elected officials.
During our statewide event greater agency participation and larger public audience are preferred.
Greater consideration to weather and personal comforts for both workers and audiences are very important and need to be addressed during our statewide public relations event
Changing locations of our statewide event is preferred.
The past effort(s) were worthwhile and should be continued and improved upon.
Based on this survey, the NJMCA will hold it's annual "Mosquito Expo" again in 1999 in recognition of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 20- 26, 1999, which was initiated in 1997 by the American Mosquito Control Association. The specific event will be held on Sunday, June 20th at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County and will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A presentation of awards to the winners of the recently completed statewide Mosquito Poster Contest will be made by President Hansen at 11:00 am. This park draws a huge crowd on summer weekends and there will be lots of opportunity to educate people from a wide geographic area.
The North Pavilion at the park is conveniently located right next to a parking lot nearby both the ocean and the bay. This facility provides a sheltered, yet open area -in the event the weather is inclement and there are restrooms and concession stands in the immediate area. The adjacent area has plenty of room to accommodate a helicopter, hovercraft, the giant mosquito and multiple displays and activities that will be contributed by mosquito research and control agencies in the area (including out of state if anyone is interested in coming to join us) and other parties interested in participating in this educational effort.
Another proclamation from Governor Whitman and resolutions from the state legislature for 1999 will be pursued again and success is expected.
The park itself is beautiful and quite a contrast to the other areas of the coast that are built up with homes. It provides multiple recreational opportunities ranging from swimming and fishing to nature walks and photography, to name a few. The park also provides a wonderful opportunity for a family outing while the mosquito professionals are participating in the Expo. Mosquito control workers and poster contest winners will be admitted free to the park to take part in the Expo, however accompanying families will be to subject to the $7.00 per car entrance fee to the park. The fee is minimal for what the park provides.
If you are a mosquito control professional and are interested in participating in the event you are welcome to do so. Please contact one of the members of the Public Relations Committee: Christine Musa & Jim McNelly, Co-Chairs, Scott Crans, Howard Emerson, Carolyn Vollero, Mike Romanowski, Bob Kent, Mike Hajek and Dominick Ninivaggi.
1999 MOSQUITO POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
The NJMCA Public Relations Committee held it's second annual poster contest this year and promoted it in connection with National Public Health Week in April. Posters were submitted by Monday, April 19th and judged on April 3oth. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention places were awarded to each of 3rd , 4th , and 5th grades. The winners will be presented a certificate at the county level and their award/prize and ribbon at the NJ Mosquito Expo on Sunday, June 20th 11:00 am where their posters will be on display for the public.
Christine Musa, NJMCA Public Relations Committee
PUBLICATIONS
Spray Drift
In 1998, the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, and their cooperative extension service held a conference on pesticide spray drift management. This conference was coordinated by Dr. James Dill, who (some may recall) was the pesticides coordinator at Rutgers Cooperative Extension in the Entomology Department many years ago.
I have obtained a copy of the 285 page Proceedings of this conference. The document covers such subjects as GPS technology, legal liability issues, weather, nozzle selection, concurrent sessions involving several different types of equipment (both aircraft and surface), insurance and a summary of ongoing research.
Considering that this would be a useful document to the mosquito control community, I called Jim and asked if copies were still available. Supplies are limited, but available until exhausted. The price is $25.00 and the address is: University of Maine, 320 Boardman Hall, Orono, Maine, 04469.
Robert Kent, Tech Advisor NJ Office of Mosquito Control Coordination
Two publications filled with information on tick-borne diseases and personal protection against insects and other arthropods were recently released by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. The first is TIM 36, Personal Protective Techniques Against Insects and Other Arthropods of Military Significance, revised edition, August 1996 and, TIM 26, Tick-Borne Diseases: Vector Surveillance and Control, June 1998. These publications can be obtained by contacting the Defense Pest Management Information Analysis Center, Armed Forces Pest Management Board, Forest Glen Section, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001; CM (301)295-7479; FAX -7483.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Where Does That Complainant Live?
Have you ever gotten a call from a person complaining about mosquitoes, spraying or some other aspect of your operation and not been able to fmd their street? Your wall map is too old and your book maps are too old. At best, with the latest Hagstrom map available, you will still be a year or two behind the construction of streets going on in your county. I have found that the website, "mapquest.com" and I would think that there are probably others on the web, has very up to date maps available to you. I enter the address of the person who called and not only do I get a printable map with the persons street on it but also a red star on the map telling me where on the street the persons house is located. We have also used this website to locate where on a long road a beekeeper is keeping his hives.
Rod Schmidt, Superintendent Middlesex County MEC
Silicone in the shop
We all know of outstanding products from silicone - as well as the problems when silicone gets in the wrong place. You know you need to buy special sealant for aquariums (aquaria, for the biologists). Silicone bathtub caulk is toxic to fish and other creatures in our applications.
Well, silicone from any source and any amount is toxic to the oxygen sensor in your truck's engine. Some silicone-based sealers outgas a little silicone as they cure. Even on an oil pan or valve cover gasket, the silicone vapor will be sucked into the crankcase ventilation system and from there into the intake manifold. The silicone then contaminates the 02 sensor. Never use silicone spray on wires, hinges, linkages - anyplace under the hood or even forward of the firewall. For gaskets, be sure the sealer is "low-volatility" for engine use.
Howard Emerson, Superintendent Camden County MEC
FAQ's on Mosquitoes - How long do mosquitoes live?
Mosquitoes are relatively fragile insects with an adult life span that lasts about 2 weeks. The vast majority meet a violent end by serving as food for birds, dragonflies and spiders or are killed by the effects of wind, rain or drought. The mosquito species that only have a single generation each year are longer lived and may persist in small numbers for as long as 2-3 months if environmental conditions are favorable. Mosquitoes that hibernate in an adult stage live for 6-8 months but spend most of that time in a state of torpor. Some of the mosquito species found in arctic regions enter hibernation twice and take more than a year to complete their life cycle.
Dr. Wayne J. Crans, Mosquito Research and Control, Rutgers University
PEOPLE NEWS
Atlantic County
Gene R. Thompson, a "good" Heavy Equipment Operator for the past two years with the Atlantic County Mosquito Control Unit and for 12 years before that with Atlantic County Department of Public Works passed away on May 15, 1999 at the age of 55. Gene served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on the Presidential Honor Guard. Gene was the owner and operator of the American Taxidermy Studio and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Gene will be missed by his family, friends and co-workers.
Sussex County New contact information for Scott Crans of the Sussex County Division of Mosquito Control. Scott can be reached at (973)948-7834, (973)948-4545, FAX (973)948-3056, and Email at scdmc@interactive.net The office mailing address is: Sussex County Division of Mosquito Control, 150 Moffis Turnpike, County Rt. 655, Newton, NJ 07860
Ocean County Ocean County's new Email address: mec@shorenetworks.com
Cumberland County- Russell Johnson, a mechanic with the Cumberland County Division of Mosquito Control, retired at the end of February after 30 years of service.
Bergen County Four employees of the Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control were present at a luncheon honoring Bergen County employees for perfect attendance. Those employees were Len Soccio (Len is approaching 40 years in mosquito control), Richard Dillon, Sal Grootenboer and Peter Pluchino. Peter Pluchino was named the county's "Employee of the Year" last October.
AMCA REPORT - Martin S. Chomsky, North Atlantic Regional Director
The past month has been hectic for AMCA. Pamela Toups, who has served as AMCA Business Manager for the past three years, tendered her resignation effective 6/30/99. Pamela is leaving to become involved in the management o her family's business. The NJMCA members who had an opportunity to meet with Pam during our recent meeting were impressed by her energetic approach toward getting next years meeting on the right track. I know that you all join with me in wishing her well in her new endeavor.
Pamela's departure has put both AMCA & the NJMCA in a difficult position. A decision will have to be made regarding an expanded role for NJMCA members. Obviously, if we take on added responsibilities we should receive additional compensation. This issue will probably be decided at a special BOD meeting on May 11th in Washington. Another of the issues for discussion are the options for continuing management for AMCA's central office operations. The options include the following possibilities: hiring a management company, recruiting an executive director, moving the location of the central office to a more centralized location or free space provided by a mosquito district or combination of these moves. I as always will appreciate your input.
By the time you read this article AMCA's 1st "Annual Washington Day " will have come & gone. Bill Z. asked Judy and me to coordinate meetings with the NJ Congressional delegation. We were fortunate to have contacted all Senators & Congress people. Our success rate was significantly better than that of other states. We had a four-part message to deliver: 1. Facts & information about AMCA. 2. Mosquito control and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). 3. The need for federally funding the Public Health Pesticide Data Collection Program at HHS. 4. Impacts of USF&WS rules and regulations on mosquito districts ability to work on wildlife refuges. 5. The necessity of the US Senate to create an official Mosquito Control Awareness Week.
Ten days before the deadline for filing comments, I received an e-mail that the CDC has proposed the lifting of a restriction on tire imports that required all imported tires to be dry, clean and insect free. I forwarded the e-mail to all members in my address book, but I fear that we may be too late to stop the action.
Aedes vexans (Meigan) - Dr. Wayne C. Crans, Rutgers University.