Applying mosquito spray in Collier County is a process: What we know
We are itching to learn more about mosquitos. The Collier County Mosquito Control District has posted a series of frequently asked questions about an insect that are a good meal for fish, dragonflies, and damselflies, among others, and a health concern for humans.
A selection of the the frequently asked questions on the Collier County website will be featured on news-press.com this week as the 2023 mosquito season begins to take off with increased rainfall. Mosquito larvae and pupae live in the water, so the more rain the merrier the mosquito population.
How much material is applied during one of your treatments?
ANSWER: On a per-acre basis, the District always applies material within the label rate prescribed.
When the District applies control materials for adult, flying mosquitoes using airplanes or helicopters, the application systems are calibrated for an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) rate. The application rate is less than 1 ounce per acre, equivalent to half a shot glass of liquid poured over an area the size of a football field. A typical aerial treatment will treat more than 30,000 acres and take approximately two hours to complete.
The material is applied from an altitude of 300’ to treat the column of air above the ground, and is almost invisible because of the extremely small droplet size. The droplets are measured at approximately 20-30 microns (e.g., one human hair is about 100 microns in size). Because of the tiny droplet size, rarely do any of the microscopic droplets make it to ground level. If they do, they dissipate quickly.
Monday's question: What pesticides are used to spray in Collier County?
More: Mosquito season has arrived in Collier County. What we know about pesticides used for control
Tuesday's question: Does mosquito spray cause cancer?
More: When it comes to controlling mosquitoes, residents want to know if the chemicals can cause cancer
Wednesday's question: What if a person or pet inhales mosquito spray?
More: In Collier County, direct contact with mosquito control products by people, pets is low
Thursday's question: Why is spraying done at night?
More: There are two answers to the question 'why is mosquito spraying done at night?'
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: How much material is applied during treatments for mosquito control
