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Image courtesy CDC
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MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile County Health Department’s Vector Control Division has begun its seasonal mosquito control program, according to Jerry Folse, who oversees the initiative.
A fleet of trucks will conduct the spraying procedure primarily in early evening hours, typically from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise warranted, Folse said. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and dawn.
The vehicles used for spray operations dispense low volumes of insecticides through variable flow technology at vehicle speeds up to 20 mph. The insecticides are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in mosquito control. Health officials ask that people not approach spray trucks while they are operating.
Those engaged in beekeeping activities and those who are allergic to insecticides used for mosquito control, and have not been recently contacted by the Mobile County Health Department, should notify the agency's Vector Control Division at 251-690-8124.
Vector Control workers drive as many as 50 unique routes across the county, Folse said, noting that later this summer, a department-owned airplane will be used to cover sites not accessible by trucks, primarily in coastal areas. Mobile County includes some 1,200 square miles.
The risk of mosquito-borne viruses is highest from August through the fall, according to Dr. Bernard Eichold II, health officer for the Mobile County Health Department.
Mosquitoes can spread diseases, including West Nile virus, by feeding on the blood of infected birds, then biting another host, such as a human.
Tips for keeping mosquitoes away
The vehicles used for spray operations dispense low volumes of insecticides through variable flow technology at vehicle speeds up to 20 mph. The insecticides are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in mosquito control. Health officials ask that people not approach spray trucks while they are operating.
Those engaged in beekeeping activities and those who are allergic to insecticides used for mosquito control, and have not been recently contacted by the Mobile County Health Department, should notify the agency's Vector Control Division at 251-690-8124.
Vector Control workers drive as many as 50 unique routes across the county, Folse said, noting that later this summer, a department-owned airplane will be used to cover sites not accessible by trucks, primarily in coastal areas. Mobile County includes some 1,200 square miles.
The risk of mosquito-borne viruses is highest from August through the fall, according to Dr. Bernard Eichold II, health officer for the Mobile County Health Department.
Mosquitoes can spread diseases, including West Nile virus, by feeding on the blood of infected birds, then biting another host, such as a human.
Tips for keeping mosquitoes away
· Eliminate breeding sites by emptying all water from old tires, cans, jars, buckets, drums, plastic wading pools, boats, tarps, toys and other containers.
· Because mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn, limit outdoor activities at those times.
· Use a good repellent on exposed areas. Some of the most reliable repellants contain the chemical DEET.
· Repellents containing DEET in concentrations up to 30 percent can be used on children as young as 2 months.
· Wearing long sleeves and long pants used with a mosquito repellent help to limit bites.
Do you recommend any non-chemical bug spray for children?
ReplyDeleteGood Question. Several companies offer chemical-free alternatives to repellents containing DEET. A quick web search uncovered that Burt's Bees sells an herbal insect repellant, while BabyGanics offers what they describe as a "deet free bug spray" for children. Both were available this week online at Babies'R'Us.
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