Mosquito Spraying Season Begins This Month

May 9th, 2005

Health Officer, Dr. Bernard H. Eichold has announced that the Mobile County Health Department will begin countywide spraying for mosquito control in late April. Using surveillance data, inspection reports, and service requests, areas will be targeted for control and spraying will be conducted as weather conditions permit. Spray trucks used for these operations dispense low volumes of aerosol insecticides and are equipped with a system that sprays the correct amount of insecticide for the speed of the vehicle. This allows for the proper application of insecticide at variable speeds. Insecticides used in the program are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for Mosquito Control. Spray activities will primarily be conducted during the evening hours from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm when the majority of the different types of mosquitoes are active. When warranted, early morning spray runs will be conducted. As a precaution, individuals are asked not to approach these spray units while they are operating.

The Mobile County Health Department Vector Control Program annually updates its listing of individuals and locations in the county that could be adversely affected by routine mosquito spraying. Those individuals involved in beekeeping activities or those who are allergic to insecticides used for mosquito control are asked to contact Vector Control if they have not done so since January 1, 2005. Such locations will be avoided from spray routes whenever possible.

Residents are reminded that they can help reduce mosquito populations by removing containers that may hold water from around their homes. Items such as cans, buckets, flowerpot rims, birdbaths and discarded tires can collect water and provide convenient places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Within days these eggs can produce thousands of hungry adults. Vector Control Inspectors check and treat known mosquito breeding sites such as storm drains, catch basins, roadside ditches, and low areas in Mobile County year round to reduce the number of emerging adult mosquitoes. Residents can call Vector Control at 690-8124 to request an inspection of a yard or ditch and other areas of standing water that may be suitable for mosquito breeding.

Help with mosquito control efforts:

• Empty all water from old tires, cans, jars, buckets, drums, plastic wading pools, and other containers.


• Clean clogged roof gutters and repair broken screens.


• Replenish pet watering dishes daily and rinse birdbaths weekly.


• Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:


• Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. A cap, long sleeves, and long pants will protect you further.


• Use repellents containing DEET. Follow label directions closely.


• Do not wear colognes, perfumes, hairspray, etc. which may make you more attractive to mosquitoes.


• Stay indoors at dawn and dusk...peak mosquito activity periods.