Physical control, sometimes referred to as Source Reduction, is a critical component of an Integrated Mosquito Management plan.  This control measure can be as simple as turning over a bucket or as involved as using heavy equipment to construct a network of drainage ditches.  This goal is simple, to eliminate or reduce the number, size and frequency of mosquito breeding sites.  Chatham County Mosquito Control has employed physical control quite successfully.  Ditching projects completed as far back as the early 1960’s are still providing tremendous benefits to the citizens of Chatham County.  The department currently has 2 amphibious excavators that are used for physical control activities.
 

With the discovery of the local populations of the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, in 1986 and the subsequent spread of this mosquito throughout the county, the need for physical control took on  new importance.  The Tiger mosquito prefers to lay its eggs in artificial containers, usually in close proximity to human habitation.  The most effective means of controlling the Tiger mosquito is by eliminating the standing water these mosquito need to complete their life cycle.  If a container holds water for more than 5 days in a row, it can produce adult mosquitoes.