Bugs are biting: MCHD launches mosquito spraying program in Mobile County

Tips for eliminate mosquito breeding sites include emptying

all water from old tires, cans, jars, buckets, drums, plastic

wading pools, boats, tarps, toys and other containers in your yard.

MOBILE, Ala. – The mosquitoes are biting so the little white trucks are up and running. Mobile County Health Department’s Vector Control Division recently began its seasonal mosquito control program, said Jerry Folse, who oversees the initiative. MCHD's fleet of trucks will conduct sprays primarily in early evening hours, typically from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise warranted, Folse said, throughout the warm summer months. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and dawn.

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.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 MCHD, should notify the agency's Vector Control Division at 251-690-8124.

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. Use it according to label directions.
· Wearing light-colored and loose fitting long sleeve shirts and long pants used with a mosquito repellent helps to limit mosquito bites.