Show All Answers

1. When is mosquito spraying done?

Spraying is normally done at night because the chemicals used are not as effective during the daylight or in the heat of the day. The decision to spray for mosquitoes is determined by citizen complaints (large numbers of complaints in either an area or citywide) or mosquito traps (small light traps placed in various areas of the city – more than 25 mosquitoes in a trap will warrant spraying that area).

2. When is spraying not done?

Spraying isn't done during daylight, when winds are above 15 miles per hour, during periods of rain, or when traps or lack of complaints indicate no need. We will only spray when needed.

3. How do we spray?

An atomizing pump is installed on the back of a truck. This produces a fine mist of chemicals and oil carrying agent. The chemicals must contact the adult mosquitoes to kill it. Normally, the truck should travel at 10 miles per hour. There is monitoring equipment that monitors vehicle speed, application rate, and time. An alarm warns operator if speed is not correct. Monitoring equipment produces a record of operators’ activity for the supervisors.

The spraying begins at dark. One-third of the city is sprayed each night. The city's phone notification system calls each zone the day they are going to be sprayed. If you do not receive a call you can make sure you are signed up to receive notifications online.

During especially heavy infestations, the first route is immediately begun again after completing the third route.