Information regarding the District spraying for adult mosquitoes
Q. What will trigger spraying?
A. If West Nile virus is detected in the community, the District's initial response will be to intensify its efforts
to reduce mosquito breeding sites and increase its levels of larviciding in those areas in which West Nile
virus has been found. Reducing the adult mosquito population with pesticides (adulticides) approved by
the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be done if necessary to prevent human illness or to
suppress a heavy nuisance infestation of mosquitoes. The decision to spray will be based on surveillance
information or the documentation of West Nile virus activity at a level that indicates a threat to human
health. Spraying will be concentrated in areas most at risk for disease occurrence and will be conducted
by certified and licensed applicators. The District's aggressive campaign against mosquito larvae is
intended to minimize the need to use adulticides.
Q. What pesticides will you use?
A. When necessary, our District may use pesticides to kill mosquitoes that pose a health risk to the
residents of the District. In the case of adulticiding, or targeting adult mosquitoes, we would use botanical
insecticides (plant derived compounds) or synthetic versions of, that include pyrethrins and synthetic
pyrethroids, as well as piperonyl butoxide. All of the products we use are approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency and applied according to label directions by our trained and certified technicians.
Q. What risks are there to the residents?
A. The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as
ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to
the size of the area treated, typically less than 1 ounce per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to
people and the environment.
Q. Where will the spraying take place?
A. The spraying will take place in areas of concern, as determined by our mosquito and disease
surveillance programs. Our trained and certified technicians use a variety of surveillance techniques and
treatment criteria to ensure effective mosquito control with the least amount of risk to our residents and
our environment.
Q. What are the risks to the environment?
A. The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as
ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to
the size of the area treated, typically less than 1 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to
people and the environment.
Q. Are the insecticides exclusive to West Nile?
A. No. The pesticides we use target a variety of mosquitoes than can transmit West Nile virus as well as
other diseases.
Q. Should I Take Steps to Reduce Exposure to Pesticides During Mosquito Control Spraying?
A. Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been
evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used
according to label directions.
Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize
exposure. Some common sense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:
Please see the planned treatment page for accurate location(s)
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Sign up on our adulticide fogging email notification service or visit this website for
announcements about spraying and remain indoors during applications in the immediate
area.
People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting
health condition, may consult their physician or local health department and take special
measures to avoid exposure.
Close windows and turn off window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the
immediate area.
Keep children's toys indoors.
Since the spray dissipates in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or
playground equipment before use.