Ep 26. Mosquito Control Officer

In Dirty Jobs season 2 episode 26, viewers are taken on a journey with host Mike Rowe as he joins forces with a mosquito control officer to help control mosquito populations in a marshy area of Florida. Rowe discovers that this job is not only dirty, but also dangerous. Mosquitoes are carriers for various diseases such as Malaria and West Nile virus, making it a vital job for the officer to control their populations.

The episode begins with Rowe meeting up with the mosquito control officer, who teaches him the ins and outs of mosquito control equipment, such as the backpack sprayer and the ATV sprayer. Rowe then accompanies the officer to a marshy area where mosquitoes thrive. The officer sprays a chemical mixture on the water's surface, which kills mosquito larvae before they have a chance to hatch.

Rowe is then tasked with using a hand-held sprayer to apply a mixture to the underbrush, which kills adult mosquitoes on contact. This job is crucial for the surrounding community's safety, as mosquitoes are known to carry dangerous diseases that can be fatal.

Next, Rowe and the officer visit a residential area to check for any standing water sources that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They discover a pool that has not been used in months, but still has stagnant water, which is a prime breeding spot for mosquitoes. The officer pours a mosquito larvae-killing chemical into the pool, and Rowe helps him drain the pool to ensure no mosquitoes can breed there.

The episode ends with Rowe and the mosquito control officer driving around the community at night, searching for adult mosquito populations. They use a sophisticated trap that attracts mosquitoes with a special light, and traps them inside. The trap is a vital tool, as it helps to reduce the amount of pesticides necessary to control mosquito populations.

Overall, Dirty Jobs season 2 episode 26 showcases the importance of mosquito control officers in keeping communities safe from dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. The episode also highlights the rigorous training and procedures that go into mosquito control, as well as the danger that the job poses to those who engage in it. Rowe's journey with the mosquito control officer provides viewers with an inside look at a job that is both dirty and crucial to public health and safety.