Mosquito Spraying Has Begun

Just step outside for a few moments and it quickly becomes apparent the pest is back—and no, we’re not talking about stink bugs.

It’s mosquito season and already in some areas they are back with a vengeance.

But some relief could be on the way as the Maryland Department of Agriculture has begun spraying some communities on a routine basis. 

If last year is any indication, the spraying program’s effectiveness will be questionable. That’s mainly because of the frequency of the spraying.

Some communities were scheduled for weekly sprayings beginning June 1.

The technique will be similar to past years. A worker from the MDA will visit the neighborhoods between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. and perform a “landing-rate test” by simply sticking out their arm and count the number of mosquitoes they attract.

At least three mosquitoes within two minutes and they’re ready to spray, MDA officials said. The department also uses special traps as a way to count mosquitoes.

After the threshold has been met, the worker considers a number of other factors before spraying. They will not spray if it is raining, if it is too windy or if the temperature is higher than 90 degrees.

Last year, some communities were only sprayed twice the entire summer.

And if residents are not comfortable with the pesticide being sprayed on their property, they have the opportunity to opt out of the program.

The MDA has a form to apply for the exemption, though Katie Brewer, an agricultural specialist with the MDA, said not many people opt out.

For individual help, residents can call the MDA at 410-841-5870 for a consultation.

Mosquito Control Tips

If you're sick of coating yourself with a heavy dose of bug repellant just to get the mail, here are a few tips from the MDA to curtail the mosquito population, or even get a head start on staving off a big population next summer:

• Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
• Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
• Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
• Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
• Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
• Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
• Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
• Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
• Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
• Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
• Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
• Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
• Fix dripping outside water faucets.
• Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
• Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
• Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest mosquito control office if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
• If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a mosquito control office. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulation.

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