~ Based on Nature Foundation advice ~
PHILIPSBURG--Authorities plan to take the environmentally friendly advice of Nature Foundation and combat the mosquito population in the country through bats, which feed on thousands of mosquitoes regularly.
Nature Foundation Director Tadzio Bervoets gave the advice during a meeting with Health Minister Emil Lee recently. In that meeting Bervoets recommended that bat houses can be constructed to not only give “St. Maarten’s only native mammal” a place to live as human development has reduced their native habitats, but also help control the mosquito population as bats eat thousands of mosquitoes and it has been scientifically established that a healthy bat population significantly reduces mosquito populations.”
Along with the bat house, which is made from natural wood, Bervoets also suggested an easy-to-build plan for the bat houses.
Lee “in the spirit of inter-ministerial,” cooperation requested the involvement of Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs. Jacobs, who said she supports environmental conservation, suggested that the students from St. Maarten Vocational Training School (SMVTS) build the traps for the Nature Foundation initiative and would look for business groups to donate the supplies.
Bervoets also supported Government’s efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds via the use of “lethal ovitraps,” which Lee has ordered for a field trial. These traps use a pesticide that is “strong and effective” and as it is contained in the traps does not get into the environment and kill other natural organisms that are part of the ecosystem.
“The war against mosquitoes must be fought on all levels. Residents are called upon to get rid of breeding sites, which is any container that holds stagnant water, an uncovered or unscreened cistern or rain barrel must be dealt with, mosquito dunks should be placed in stagnant water pools and if you see a breeding site report it to the CPS hotline 550-CALL. This reporting hotline can also be accessed through WhatsApp,” Lee said.
