PEST PROFILE, CAMP BLANDING, FLORIDA, 3-7 JUNE 1991 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Activity - South Fort McPherson, Georgia 30330-5000 [Seal of Department of Defense, United States of America] REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: HSHB-AS-P PEST PROFILE NO. 16-62-0508-91 CAMP BLANDING, FLORIDA 3-7 JUNE 1991 1. REFERENCES. See Appendix A. 2. AUTHORITY. The scheduling of this survey was based on AEHA Form 250, Request for USAEHA Field Services, 6 September 1990. 3. PURPOSE. To determine the species of medically or economically important pests and their distribution and abundance at Camp Blanding. 4. GENERAL. a. Abbreviations and Terms. A listing of abbreviations and terms is included in Appendix B. b. Survey Personnel. This survey was conducted by Mr. Jack H. Chandler, Survey Officer, Entomologist, Entomological Sciences Division (ESD), this Activity; Ms. Deanna Harrison, Biological Aid, ESD and SPC Mia M. Staples, Medical Laboratory Technician, ESD. c. Personnel Contacted. A list of the personnel contacted is included in Appendix C. 5. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Mr. Jack H. Chandler, the Survey Officer, discussed major findings and recommendations with key personnel at Camp Blanding on 7 June 1990. a. Medically Important Pests. (1) Mosquitoes. (a) General. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) battery-driven light traps were placed at several localities. Nine species of adult mosquitoes were captured during the profile. Sampling roadside pools failed to yield larvae. Runoff from the frequent rains prior to and during the survey may have been partially responsible for the absence of larvae. In addition, most of these sites contained mosquitofish (Gambusia). Appendix D summarizes the location of these traps, the species captured and their numbers. A brief bionomics discussion for each of the various species collected during the survey appears in Appendix E. Although no cases of EEE have been reported for Clay County, there have been cases reported in 1991 from surrounding counties. Both Duval and Bradford Counties had one fatality and one comatose/recovery each. Putnam County did not have any cases to report. Follow-up calls to these county health departments did not result in any additional cases. St. Louis encephalitis was reported in 1990 in the Gainesville area which is only about 30 miles from Camp Blanding. (b) Aedes albopictus. A single female Asian tiger mosquito was reared from 9 eggs deposited in an ovitrap at Site 5, a recreation access on the east shore of Kingsley Lake. Very few discarded containers or other artificial breeding sites were observed at this site or at any site at Camp Blanding. This species has the potential for transmitting the Dengue virus to man. It has been found in the Jacksonville area and any breeding sites found on Camp Blanding should be mapped. (2) Horse/Deer Flies. Three black-sphere traps similar to that depicted on page 60 of "Entomology in Human and Animal Health" were operated at three locations. No deer or horse flies were captured in any of these traps although numerous ones were observed in the vicinity. Four deer flies (Chrysops sp.) were captured in the CDC light traps at Sites 1 and 2. (3) Ticks. Cloth drags were used to sample tick populations at various localities. Appendix F summarizes the sites sampled during the profile. Ticks were transported to the laboratory and evaluated with direct immunofluorescent assay for the presence/absence of the spirochetes. At Site 4 one female lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum was captured and tested negative for the spirochetes. At Site 5 two of the three female lone star ticks tested positive for spirochetes, while the remaining female and a male were negative. At Site 17 a single male and a female were captured and both were negative. The present immunofluorescent tests for the causal organism of Lyme disease may not be specific for Borrelia burgdorferi, but may react with closely allied species of Borrelia. Therefore, the results presented may not indicate a significant Lyme disease spirochete infestation rate in the indigenous ticks at Camp Blanding. The lone star tick is not generally regarded as a significant vector of the Lyme disease spirochete in the more northerly regions of the United States, however, there is some indication that it may be the principle vector of Lyme disease or a similar disease in the southeast. All attempts to capture ticks with dry ice were unsuccessful. SFC Carcaba at Medical Operations stated that it was common practice to remove ticks from personnel at Camp Blanding. Medical Operations has been supplied with collecting vials, labels and instructions for sending ticks to USAEHA-S for evaluation. The USAEHA-S will process any collected ticks for the presence/absence of the causative organism of Lyme disease. (4) Chigger Mites. Black metal plates measuring 10.5 cm on a side were used at several sites to sample for chigger mites. Only one mite was observed at any of the sites sampled. One of the survey personnel experienced several bites on the ankles. Chigger mites can cause severe discomfort to soldiers and can impede their efficiency; however, the proper wearing of clothing and the use of available repellents should reduce the chances of infestation by both chiggers and ticks. (5) Fire Ants. In comparison with other installations, the fire ant population is relatively low. Because of the sandy nature of the soil the fire ant mounds are very low and difficult to identify. The major infestations encountered during this survey were at Sites 13 and 15. (6) Miscellaneous Pests. Although there are at least three species of the widow spider reported for the area around Camp Blanding, none were encountered during this survey. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are occasionally encountered in the training areas. Certain training and recreational areas at Camp Blanding were heavily infested with poison ivy. No control measures are warranted for these pests; however, soldiers should be informed of the potential for injury and given precautionary advice at orientation briefings. b. Economically Important and Nuisance Pests. (1) Filth Flies. Filth flies are a major problem in the summer months in the Service Club (Building 1515) and the other clubs. Dumpsters were placed directly on the soil in close proximity to the club. The lids on two dumpsters were in the open postition and another one had a damaged lid. Dumpsters can serve as a breeding ground for insect and other pests, particularly flies. These are probably a major source of the filth flies infesting the dining areas since spillage can become incorporated into the soil and support fly larvae and other pests even if the dumpsters are clean. Non-biting midges, mayflies and other aquatic or semiaquatic insects emerging from nearby Kingsley Lake are occasionally a nuisance in the dining facility. No control measures are warranted except when they enter the building. The substitution of yellow bug lights for normal incandescent outside lights might reduce the problem. (2) Cockroaches. (a) Officer's Club (Building 1100). The kitchen and serving areas were clean and orderly. No cockroaches were observed in this facility. (b) Service Club (Building 1515). The food preparation serving and dining areas were exceptionally clean. Although no cockroach infestations were observed, there were numerous damaged areas in the walls and floors which could serve as potential harborage for cockroaches and perhaps entrances for rodents and other pests. (c) Wood Destroying Pests. Most of the buildings at Camp Blanding are constructed of concrete or block. SSG Krall of Facilities Engineering inspects for damage during his normal pest control activities. Small (less than 0.1 acre) infestations by the Southern Pine Beetle and other bark beetles occur following lightening strikes. These are not regarded as a significant problem by the resident forest manager. d. Pest Control Operations. (1) IPMP. The plan had not been updated recently and was not signed by the MACOM PMC. It did not address specific pests or control measures to be used against then. (2) Installation Pest Management Coordinator. Mr. John Crews, Utilities Systems Supervisor is the Installation Pest Management Coordinator. (3) Pest control within the club system is performed by a State certified contractor, Mr. John Mathews of Nassau Pest Control Service of Jacksonville, Florida. The remaining pest management operations at Camp Blanding are handled by SSG William Krall who possesses DoD certification. 6. CONCLUSIONS. Human deaths attributable to EEE in some counties surrounding Camp Blanding and recent outbreaks of SLE in the Jacksonville area provide ample justification for mosquito surveillance. The presence of the Asian tiger mosquito, a potential vector of the Dengue virus provides additional justification. Surveillance activities should also include investigating local tick populations for the presence/absence of the spirochete which is responsible for Lyme disease. Orientations for soldiers about to undergo training should include recognition of arthropods and poisonous snakes and how to effectively use repellents and to avoid unnecessary exposure to organisms posing a health threat (see Appendix G). The IPMP should be modified to include specific target pests and control methods. It should be updated annually and approved by the MACOM PMC. 7. RECOMMENDATIONS. Recommendations are keyed to specific report findings. The paragraph number of the associated finding is listed in brackets at the beginning of each recommendation. The following recommendations are made to ensure regulatory compliance and good pest management practices: a. Preventive Medicine Service (PVNTMED Svc), U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Stewart - U.S. Army Health Services Command (HSC). (1) [5a(1)] Mosquitoes. Conduct larval and adult mosquito surveillance during the spring to identify those species present which are of medical importance and to identify and map actual/potential breeding sites. This surveillance should include the inspection of tree holes and any artificial containers encountered for the presence of Ae. albopictus. In addition, place ovitraps in high-troop use and cantonment areas to identify breeding sites for this species. Pest management personnel should receive current reports on all mosquito surveillance activities by PVNTMED Svc personnel. Personnel at USAEHA-S will supply guidance and materials necessary for ovitrapping and will identify adult/larval mosquitoes collected by light traps or during other surveillance activities. Instructions for conducting surveillance activities may be found in TB MED 561 [AR 40-5, para 2-2(i); AR 420-76, para 2-6a(1); Technical Guide 102, para IV]. (2) [5b(1)] Filth Flies. Inspect dumpsters regularly to determine if they are clean and if the lids are in good repair and closed [TB MED 530, para 5-24a(2) and 5-24c; TB MED 561, para 4-4(b) and 4-4(c)]. (3) [5a(3)] Ticks. Conduct tick surveillance using drags, flags or dry ice traps to determine the species present and their distribution in high use areas at Camp Blanding. Ticks should be sent alive to USAEHA-S for processing for the presence of the Lyme spirochete. Guidance for tick dragging/trapping can be found in TIM 26. Instructions for shipment of live ticks and additional guidance for surveillance can be obtained from the Activity [AR 40-5, para 2-2(i); AR 420-76, para 2-6a(1)]. (4) [5a(1), 5a(3), 5b(1)] Report all surveillance data to the Pest Control Operator at Camp Blanding (AR 40-5, para 10-7b). b. Engineering Section, Installation Support Unit, Camp Blanding Florida - Florida Army National Guard (FL ARNG). (1) [5b(2b)] Construct smooth, nonabsorbent pads for supporting dumpsters [TB MED 530, para 5-25(d)]. (2) [5b(2b)] Repair holes and otherwise deny harborage for insect and rodents in building 1515 (TB MED 530, para 5-228). (3) [5a(1), 5a(3b), 5b(1)] Utilize surveillance data as a basis for planning pest management operations (AR 420-76, para 3-2a). c. Environmental Coordinator, Department of Military Affairs, St. Augustine, Florida - FL ARNG. (1) [5a(1)(a)(b), (3)] Request annual surveillance by the medical authority for mosquitoes, ticks and other pests posing a health hazard to military and other personnel at Camp Blanding (HSC Pam 40-3, para 3-2a). (2) [5c(1)] Update the IPMP to reflect specific target pests and the control measures to be used against them. The USAEHA-S has a copy of the plan and will assist in its revision. Submit the revised/updated plan to the MCOM PMC for approval (AR 420-76, para 2-31). [signature] JACK H. CHANDLER Entomologist Entomological Sciences Division APPROVED: [signature] MICHAEL R. COLLYER MAJ, MS Chief, Entomological Sciences Division APPENDIX A REFERENCES 1. Army Regulation (AR) 40-5, 15 October 1990, Preventive Medicine. 2. AR 420-76, 3 June 1986, Facilities Engineering Pest Management Program. 3. Technical Bulletin Medical (TB MED) 530, December 1982, Occupational and Environmental Health Food Service Sanitation. 4. TB MED 561, 20 March 1991, Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance, Final Draft. 5. TIM No. 26, March 1990. Lyme Disease-Vector Surveillance and Control. 6. Harwood, R. F. and M. T. James, 1979. Entomology in Human and Animal Health. MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. 7. HSC Pamphlet 40-3, 28 October 1985, Environmental Health Program. 8. Technical Guide 102, September 1977, Guide for Conduct Installation Pest Surveillance Program. APPENDIX B ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS AR Army Regulation CDC Centers for Disease Control DGSC Defense General Supply Center DSN Defense Switched Network EEE Eastern equine encephalitis ESD Entomological Sciences Division FL ARNG Florida Army National Guard HSC U.S. Army Health Services Command IPMP Installation Pest Management Program PMC pest management consultant PVNTMED Svc Preventive Medicine Service SLE St. Louis encephalitis TB MED Technical Bulletin Medical TG Technical Guide TIM Technical Information Memorandum USAEHA-S U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Activity-South APPENDIX C PERSONNEL CONTACTED CPT Richard Avery, Facility Manager, DSN 960-3508. Ms. Teresa Francis, Waitress, Officers Club, (904) 533-3320. 1LR Charles Miller, Food Service Manager, (904) 533-3197. # Ms. Rebecca Miller, Service Club, (904) 533-3197. Mr. Tony Calimao, Service Club Manager, (904) 533-3197. CPT Carlos Maeda, Range Control, DSN 960-3504. SSG Clarence Zarner, Range Control, DSN 960-3504. SSG Swinson, Range Control, DSN 960-3504. SFC William T. Carcaba, Medical Operations, DSN 960-3105. MAJ Tim Lambert, Chief, Buildings and Grounds, DSN 960-3455. * CPT Jesse Murrill, Environmental Specialist, 960-3329. * # Mr. John Mathews, Nassau Pest Control Svc, (904) 259-4107. Ms. Amy Probyn, Purchasing and Contracting, DSN 960-3557. Mr. George Ems, Forest Manager, DSN 960-3453. # Bradford County FL Health Dept., (904) 964-7732. Ms. Mary Vezzetti, Epidemiology Nurse, Putnam County, Florida Health Dept., (904) 329-0420. Ms. Barbara Enos, Nursing Director, Clay County Florida Health Department, (904) 473-3711. Ms. Amy Cope, Duval County Florida Health Dept., (904) 772-3111. --------- *Individual received an entrance briefing #Individual received an exit briefing APPENDIX D LIGHT TRAPPING RESULTS TABLE 1. RESULTS OF CDC LIGHT TRAPPING AT SITE 1 SPECIES NUMBERS COLLECTED (SUM OF TWO TRAPS): COLLECTED: 3-4 JUNE 91* 4-5 JUNE 91** MALES FEMALES MALES FEMALES TOTAL: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aedes c. canadensis 0 7 0 0 7 Aedes infirmatus 0 48 0 0 48 Anopheles crucians 0 15 0 34 49 Culiseta melanura 1 175 0 270 446 Psorophora ferox 0 4 0 0 4 Uranotaenia sapphirina 0 3 0 0 3 TOTAL: 1 252 0 304 557 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE 2. RESULTS OF CDC LIGHT TRAPPING AT SITE 2 SPECIES NUMBERS COLLECTED (ONE TRAP): COLLECTED: 3-4 JUNE 91* 4-5 JUNE 91** MALES FEMALES MALES FEMALES TOTAL: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aedes c. canadensis 0 3 0 0 3 Anopheles crucians 0 24 0 9 33 Culiseta melanura 2 228 0 352 582 Culex salinarius 0 13 0 0 13 Psorophora columbiae 0 3 0 0 3 Uranotaenia sapphirina 0 2 0 0 2 TOTAL: 2 273 0 361 636 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Used with dry ice **No dry ice used TABLE 3. RESULTS OF CDC LIGHT TRAPPING AT SITE 3 SPECIES NUMBERS COLLECTED (ONE TRAP): COLLECTED: 5-6 JUNE 91* MALES FEMALES TOTAL: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anopheles crucians 0 2 2 Culiseta melanura 0 21 21 Culex salinarius 0 22 22 TOTAL: 0 45 45 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Used with dry ice APPENDIX E BIONOMICS OF MOSQUITOES CAPTURED AT CAMP BLANDING Aedes c. canadensis females are persistent diurnal biters frequenting shaded environments and tend to remain near to the breeding sites (cool, clear woodland pools). Adults are most common from May through June and commonly feed on a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles and mammals (including man). This species has the potential to transmit the dog heartworm, Eastern equine encephalitis and the California serogroup viruses. It constituted only about 0.81% of the total catch at Camp Blanding. Aedes infirmatus can be found in the southeastern U.S. from spring through most of the fall months. The adults are vicious daytime biters and inhabit areas similar to Ae. canadensis. Immature stages may be found in temporary pools within or near woodland habitats. This species made up about 3.88% of all mosquitoes captured during this profile. Anopheles crucians seems to prefer to feed at night, however it will attack during the day in shady resting habitats. It breeds in a wide variety of vegetated acid-water habitats, including temporary pools. The adults are commonly encountered around domestic dwellings. It is not considered a significant vector of malaria and constituted only about 6.79% of the mosquito catch. Culiseta melanura is often found in permanent bodies of waters, especially in marshlands or swamps. Adults remain near shaded larval breeding sites and they are readily attracted to light traps. This species made up approximately 84.73% of the total capture of mosquitoes at Camp Blanding. Eastern, Western and the California encephalitis viruses have been isolated from this species, however it prefers to feed on birds and rarely bites man. Culex salinarius breed in a wide variety of fresh or foul-water habitats which includes water-filled tree holes. It is found throughout the spring, summer and winter months and may be taken within dwellings. C. salinarius is a mild night time biter which readily feeds on humans in out-of-doors situations, but will also enter dwellings to rest and feed. This species is a vector of St. Louis encephalitis. It made up 2.83% of the total light-trap capture. Psorophora columbiae females are commonly encountered in dense, shaded vegetation. Females are very aggressive biters, feeding upon man and other animals during the day or night. This species is a depression breeder, depositing eggs in flood-water of overflow situations in woodland habitats and also within rice fields. In this study it constituted only 0.24% of the total catch in the light traps. Psorophora ferox females are painful and persistent biters which may seek victims in the open during cloudy days. They are pests from March through November in the Camp Blanding area. The larvae may be found in temporary pools and overflow depressions in the vicinity of heavy vegetation. The California serogroup viruses have been isolated from wild captured females. They constituted only 0.32% of the total light trap capture. Uranotaenia sapphirina larvae are commonly found in permanent bodies of water which has emergent and floating vegetation. They can be found throughout the year in the southern U.S. Adults reside in damp places adjacent to the breeding sites. The adult females rarely bite man and are not known to vector diseases to humans. About 0.4% of the light trap captures were this species. APPENDIX F SURVEY SITES AT CAMP BLANDING SITE: LOCATION DESCRIPTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Area N-3 2 Area N-3 3 DuPont Trail Ridge Mining Area 4 N & W Intersection of Apalachicola Street and Avenue "B" 5 E Shore Kingsley Lake, Recreation Access, Intersection of Avenue "A" and Duval Road 6 N Shore Kingsley Lake, S of Building 2300 (Post HQ) 7 N & E of Avenue "B" and Apalachicola Street 8 Area N & E of Clearwater Avenue and Apalachicola Street 9 Drainage ditches alongside Avenue "B" 10 Drainage ditches near intersection of Avenue "C" near Leesburg Street 11 Area near intersection of Clearwater Avenue and Jacksonville Street 12 Intersection of Avenue "B" and Fort Myers Street 13 Field W of Building 3220 14 Area surrounding intersection of Jacksonville Street and Avenue "B" 15 Area alongside Avenue "A" in the vicinity of Building 2300 16 Area alongside Fort Myers Street between Avenues "A" and "B" 17 Small field N & W of Post Office APPENDIX G VENOMOUS ANIMALS [sic] 1. Several repellent products are available through the Defense General Supply Center (DGSC) or Self Service Supply System. When used in accordance with label directions and in conjunction with the proper wearing of the uniform, they provide personal protection against a wide variety of medically important insect/arthropod pests. Availability and current pricing can be obtained by calling the DGSC at DSN 695-4865: a. Insect/Arthropod Repellent Lotion (cream, 2 fluid ounces). The lotion, NSN 6840-01-284-3982, is not labeled for ticks, but will repel chigger mites and many biting flies. b. Permethrin Arthropod Repellent, Insect Repellent, Clothing Application (aerosol, 6 ounces) NSN 6840-01-278-1336. Seventy-five percent of the can is used to apply to the field uniform and the remainder is used to treat mosquito netting. The product provides protection from ticks and mosquitoes through six normal launderings. c. Insect Repellent Fabric Treatment (liquid, 5.1 fluid ounces) NSN 6840-01-334-2666. The contents are added to 2 gallons of water and applied with the 2-gallon sprayer from a field sanitation kit at a pressure of 50 pounds per square inch to field uniforms, mosquito netting, and tent fabric to provide protection from ticks and biting flies and other insects. Since most sprayers are not equipped with the required pressure gauge (NSN 3740- 01-332-8746), it will be necessary to obtain a pressure gauge and filter (NSN 4330-01-332-1639), in order to complete the retrofitting. Proper application can provide protection for the normal life of the uniform, six launderings of mosquito netting, and 6-9 months of treatment for tent fabric, depending on climate. 2. Detailed directions for the use of these and other repellents can be found in the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency Technical Guide (TG) 174, Personal Protective Techniques Against Insects and Other Arthropods of Military Significance. 3. GTA 8-5-47, Poisonous-Snakebite Treatment, October 1990, is available through the Supporting U.S. Army Training Support Centers for distribution to personnel. 4. The U.S. Army Medical Department Tick-Borne Disease Card (7189) is available from the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Activity-South (USAEHA-S), ESD.