natural defenses: monitoring mosquito populations with biocontrol
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ou can’t avoid swatting away
allison gentry is a second year at the University of Chicago, currently on the pre-med track and majoring in English. On campus, alongside writing for SISR, Allison sings with the University Women's Chorus, is involved with Southside Scribblers, and is an editor for PULSE, the on-campus pre-med publication. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city, visiting as many museums as she can, and finding the best spots to eat around Chicago.
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THE TRIPLE HELIX Winter 2020
pesky mosquitoes during the hot and muggy days of August in Houston: in the rainy season, stagnant water provides a perfect breeding ground for these blood-sucking pests. Without access to proper medication or city-wide protection programs like pesticide spraying, the health of the population of a mosquito-infested city may be at risk. However, in cities like Houston, researchers are working to find a more sustainable solution to control these deadly insects. In particular, researchers are using biocontrol, a century-old practice, to control pests by the introduction of a natural enemy or predator.
No animal on earth is nearly as deadly as the mosquito. Mosquitoes act as vectors for many deadly tropical viral diseases.4 Female Asian Tiger, Southern House, and Yellow Fever mosquitoes are often carriers of Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and dengue fever, since females that need protein-rich Š 2020, The Triple Helix, Inc. All rights reserved.
