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Frequently asked questions
Q. Why do I see Mosquito Control trucks driving through my neighborhood, with lights flashing, and I see nothing sprayed out?
A. The equipment used by Mosquito Control for killing adult mosquitoes is called ultra low-volume spray. This equipment is designed to emit small particles of insecticide to provide good coverage without creating a cloud or fog. The trucks and sprayer are geared so the chemical will be dispensed at the correct rate, no matter the speed in which the truck is traveling. The chemicals used are the type that kill adult mosquitoes on contact.
Q. Are the chemicals used hazardous to my health?
A. The chemicals used to kill adult mosquitoes or their larvae have been tested rigorously and are approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Q. Why can't you fog on a regular basis, such as once a week?
A. The Florida Administrative Code requires mosquito control agencies to measure mosquito activity. Only after mosquitoes reach a quantity above the normal baseline population can spray operation take place. Areas with high levels of activity are sprayed on an as needed basis.
Q. How long does the mosquito spray last?
A. Adult mosquito sprays are effective for only 24 hours or less. Spraying an area does not prevent mosquitoes from re-entering the area.
Q. Why don't you do all your spraying operations by air, instead of using trucks?
A. State law requires us to show measurable increases in mosquito populations to justify helicopter use. Also, weather is a major factor when scheduling a fogging operation. Trucks can operate in more adverse weather conditions.
Q. Why do you spray for mosquitoes when I am out taking my evening walk?
A. The best time to kill mosquitoes is at dawn or dusk, when they are most active and looking for food, which is blood. It would be best to avoid walking or sitting outdoors during these times due to the heightened activity of mosquitoes and other biting insects. However, we avoid spraying at dawn when children are waiting for school buses or walking to school.
Q. Why do we spend so much money on mosquito control instead of letting nature take care of the problem?
A. Living in Florida would be most uncomfortable without mosquito control. Before modern mosquito control devices, people burned rags, tires or wet wood to create smoke to drive away mosquitoes. These methods did not kill the creatures but offered some relief, while at the same time polluting the air and inflaming respiratory problems in some people. We do use nature to kill mosquito larvae by the use of minnows and other fish that make a meal of the larvae.
Q. I have respiratory problems. Can I be notified of fogging in my neighborhood before you fog?
A. Absolutely. Mosquito Control maintains a notification or call list of individuals in our County who must take precautions when sprays are used. All people need to do is notify us of their problem and we will put them on our list of those to call before spraying operations begin.
Q. What is encephalitis?
A. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that can be transmitted through mosquito bites. Click here for more information.
Q. How can I protect myself?
A. Transmission prevention involves significantly decreasing the probabilities of mosquito bites. Preventive measures include avoiding outdoor activities after dark, when the mosquitoes are most active, wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and pants, etc.), and using repellents that contain DEET as their active ingredients. Click here for more information.
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Volusia County, Florida.