MOSQUITO MISTING SYSTEMS DANGEROUS DESPITE CLAIMS
by Sarah Morgan

Mosquito misting systems, a series of tubes and nozzles installed around the perimeter of a home that emits clouds of insecticide, are growing in popularity, despite rising concerns from environmental groups. The systems are being installed in many newly constructed homes and many owners of older homes are purchasing them, too. The system is connected to a timer that sets the system off three to six times a day, depending upon the owner's preference, and sprays typically last for 20 to 30 seconds, according to facts found on various installers' web sites. The installers usually place the tubing and nozzles under the eaves of the house, and a large barrel of the insecticide pyrethrum is placed somewhere on the property.

Though the systems are typically professionally installed, a state agency - the Texas Structural Pest Control Board - warns consumers that many installers may be unlicensed, meaning they are avoiding inspection and enforcement designed to protect public health. Further, installers may not give owners the proper operating instructions for the systems.

"Each of these pesticides contains label warnings the consumer should ask for from the installer, and examine," said John Lee Morrison, chair of the Pest Control Board.

These labels may include warnings about weather conditions and specific times of day in which it is appropriate to use the misting system.

The installers proclaim that the system kills almost all insects, including mosquitoes, spiders, cockroaches, and gnats. But that means it kills beneficial insects, too.

"There are a lot of insects that are good for the environment," said Charlotte Wells, executive director for Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides. Some insects actually eat mosquitoes, and others are vital to healthy soil and vegetation, she said.

Another concern is the insecticide used in the mists. Most installers are marketing pyrethrum as a safe product for humans and pets.

Pyrethrum is a derivative of chrysanthemum flowers imported into the United States. While this compound is a natural derivative, pyrethrum-based pesticides include other compounds that are potentially toxic, according to the Pest Control Board.

"Companies that market and install these systems should not tell the consumer they are inherently safe. Like the use of any pesticide, they are safe only if precautions are known about and followed," Morrison said.

According to the Pest Control board, the label for RIPTIDE, a pyrethrum-based product, states that the chemical is in fact harmful to humans and animals if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. The label instructs users to avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.

Another pyrethrum-based product, Pyronyl 303 Emulsifiable Concentrate, has instructions specific for automated systems, which say a rain sensor and a wind sensor must be installed on the system to control drift and runoff. Also, the label says the system timer must not activate or apply insecticide when people, pets, and food are present.

"Consumers are not aware of the problems," said Wells, who went on to describe documented cases in which such systems killed vegetation in the user's home or in a neighbor's yard.

"You don't know who or what is coming into contact with (the pesticide)," she said. "If you're not sure it's safe, why are you using it around your family?"

Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides and other environmental groups advocate integrated pest management as the only true solution.

"We always have to be wary of a quick fix to a complex situation," she said.

TxDOT RELEASES PROPOSED TTC-35 PRELIMINARY CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES
by Sarah Morgan

The Texas Department of Transportation has created a new map showing 10-mile or wider swaths of Texas that are under consideration for construction of the Mexico to Oklahoma Trans-Texas Corridor-35 element of the Trans Texas Corridor. The proposed construction area could affect 77 counties. The new maps will be used for the next round of public meetings, beginning on Oct 19, at which attendees can share their thoughts and concerns about the plans with TxDOT.

To see the map, or for information on the meetings, visit
http://www.CorridorWatch.org.

HOUSTON AUDUBON DEDICATES HORSESHOE MARSH BIRD SANCTUARY

The Houston Audubon Society will dedicate a 650-acre wetland complex on the Bolivar Peninsula known as the Horseshoe Marsh on Saturday, Oct 16, from 10 am to noon. With the addition of this land, Houston Audubon's land holdings now total 3,000 acres, with 1,800 acres on the Peninsula. Horseshoe Marsh, located near the Bolivar ferry landing adjacent to the historic Bolivar lighthouse, includes salt marsh and wet coastal prairie surrounding a shallow tidal lagoon. It is critical habitat for large numbers of shorebirds, waders, and ducks, including Roseate Spoonbills, Oystercatchers, Long-billed Curlews, Seaside Sparrows, and Clapper Rails. The dedication ceremony is open to the public; light refreshments, self-guided bird walks and driving tours, as well as live bird demonstrations will be presented. Speakers for the morning are US Fish & Wildlife Service's John Huffman, Texas Parks and Wildlife's Woody Woodrow, and Ned Wright from Audubon Texas, as well as Joy Hester, executive director, and John Biesmann, president, Houston Audubon Society.

For more information, visit http://www.houstonaudubon.org.

SIERRA CLUB HITS THE STREETS

The Sierra Club has scheduled a variety of events in an effort to gather like-minded individuals interested in making a change in the environment and protecting communities at risk. The next event will be a screening of the movie "End of Suburbia," on Oct 15, at 7 pm, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin. Community walks are scheduled for Oct 16, 23, and 30, at 9 am, at the Buffalo Grille, 3116 Bissonnet. Also, Sierra Club is throwing a "Pizza Party for the Environment" on Oct 28, at 7 pm, at 3015 Richmond, suite 270. Attendees will learn how to organize campaigns for the environment, with a focus on mobilizing neighbors and writing letters.

For directions and more information about how you can become involved with the Building Environmental Communities Campaign, call Christine or Renee at (713) 521-3981, or visit
http://www.sierraclub.org/field/southernplains.

GREEN HOMES 101 WORKSHOP

Green Homes 101 will educate Houston area residents to ways of having healthier homes that use less energy, and saving money in the process. The free workshop will be held on Wednesday, Oct 20, and will introduce the basics of what a green home is, how green homes are designed and built, and will discuss how to green an existing home. Topics to be covered include integrated design, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and local green material choices.

For more information or to register, please contact Terri Kurtin, Sustainable Technologies Group, Houston Area Research Center, at (281) 363-7926, or at tkurtin@harc.edu.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP SEEKS HORTICULTURIST / URBAN FORESTER

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is seeking to fill a full-time professional position funded through the Texas Forest Service Urban Forestry Partnership Grant Program. Responsibilities include advancing the BBP’s vegetation management plan, which involves specific restoration objectives in the Buffalo Bayou Park. The person hired for the position will work with volunteers and contractors to accomplish many of these goals and will also be responsible for monitoring tree health by performing Forest Health assessments. Other responsibilities include reporting to the Texas Forest Service’s urban forestry representative, seeking funding for a stream-bank protection demonstration project, and working closely with the BBP’s director of public relations to involve the media in newsworthy projects. Some Saturdays will be necessary, to lead volunteer groups. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, good computer skills, local flora knowledge, and leadership and presentation skills. To apply for this position please send your resume to Scott Barnes at sbarnes@buffalobayou.org or fax your resume to (713) 223-3500.

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