Mosquito Aerial Spraying to Occur in Sumter County this Weekend

The Florida Division of Agricultural Environmental Services tentatively has scheduled an aerial application for mosquito vector control to begin Saturday, October 26, 2024. If the spray zones are not completed on Saturday, the aerial spraying mission would continue Sunday October 27, 2024. This notification is contingent on no interruptions to current planned operations, such as weather and completion of existing spray missions or other unforeseen delays. Aerial mission is from dusk to dawn each evening.

Due to a wet summer and rains from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, rivers, lakes and ponds are flooded with much standing water throughout Sumter County as well as neighboring counties creating ideal conditions for breeding mosquitoes. This has necessitated aerial spraying.

Due limited availability of products and concerns for decreased efficacy due to resistance, the primary active ingredient used during these applications is Naled. This product is applied using up to two tablespoons of product for the area the size of a football field. Professional licensed contractors are required to follow directions and requirements when conducting treatments.

Because aerial mosquito control treatments will occur at night, it is not typically considered a major concern for honeybee hives. Treatments are conducted in the late evening and over night when honeybee foragers have returned to their hives. Low-flying aircraftthat are out during the daytime are not conducting applications, but instead are observing any potential obstacles that may interfere with the treatments made at night. These can include unmapped towers, powerlines, guy wire and other obstructions.

In an abundance of caution, below are a couple of options beekeepers can utilize if they choose to do so:

• If you are concerned for "bearding" (honeybees clustering outside the entrance), you can add an empty super (no frames) to the top level of the hive to allow for more space for the honey bees to retreat inside the hive.
• Beekeepers can also place a piece of plywood leaning against the front of the hive so that the honeybees can still move air in and out as needed but the entrance will be covered.
• Covering hives with any other material is not recommended due to the concern for hive overheating.

Risks to pets and wildlife from aerial application of naled for mosquito control are minimal because naled is applied from several hundred feet above the ground, at low rates, and it does not persist in the environment.

There are also steps, residents can take to help minimize mosquito activity around your home:

• Remove standing water in old tires, buckets, drums or any other container.
• Check clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
• Empty plastic wading pools, birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once a week.
• Drain water from boats being stored.
• Fill in tree holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
• If you have an ornamental water garden, stock it with mosquito-eating fish (Gambusia, minnows or goldfish).
• Repair screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
• Drain water from old pools not in use.

Tips for avoiding and repelling mosquitoes (the 4 Ds):

• Dusk and Dawn. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking a blood meal. For many species, their favorite feeding time is during the dusk and dawn hours.
• Dress. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Drain. Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it.
• Deet. Use an insect repellant containing Deet. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or Deet because mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Always read the manufacturer's directions carefully before you put on a repellent.

To sign up for mosquito spraying alerts, visit www.sumtercountyfl.gov/alerts. You will receive notification by cell phone or e-mail as to when and where mosquito spraying will occur. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests for mosquito control operations in your area, please call Sumter County at 352-689-4400.

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