FEMA To Begin Aerial Mosquito Spraying Program In Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — Montgomery County officials announced on Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will to begin aerial spraying for mosquitos.

Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management said aerial spraying, which will depend on the weather conditions, will begin Thursday evening and will continue through Sept. 20, from dusk until dawn.

Stagnant water from floods caused by Hurricane Harvey has caused an explosion in the mosquito population. (Want to get daily news updates and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Conroe-Montgomery County Patch morning newsletter.)

Here are some ways that you can help eliminate mosquito problems:

• Help eliminate any standing water (even small amounts) to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
• If water cannot be eliminated, such as in ornamental water features, use larvicides (available at many retailers) or other control measures to minimize opportunities for breeding. For example, you might be able to add fish that eat larvae to a pond, or add a fountain or aerator to keep the water moving.
• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home, workplace, or children’s schools.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents to prevent getting bitten. Products that are EPA-registered have been confirmed to be safe and effective when you follow the directions.
• Dress in light-colored clothing, long pants, and long sleeves

Meanwhile, planes will be flying over the area during the daytime hours ton conduct aerial surveying of the area to determine which areas are to be sprayed first.

Organized outdoor activities such as football games will still see the low flying planes.

The aircraft is sophisticated enough to allow the insecticide spray to be regulated, and the pilots will stop the spraying as they fly over these highly populated areas.

The insecticide that will be used is Naled, an insecticide that is used to treat adult mosquitoes.

According to the CDC, when large areas need to be treated quickly aerial spraying is the most effective and does not present a risk to people, pets or other animals.

The insecticide is dispersed by airplanes equipped with nozzles that create droplets just the right size to kill mosquitoes.

Once any remaining droplets settle to the ground, they quickly break down on surfaces, in water and in sunlight.

The licensed professional will use about an ounce (one to two tablespoons) per acre.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during spraying, and also advised to bring in pets between dusk and dawn.

To learn more, click here.

Image: Shutterstock

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