Mosquito Prevention
The City of Zion contracts with Clarke Environmental Services for mosquito management.
They use Biomist 3+15, a permethrin based adult mosquito control products registered for this use in residential and recreation areas.
They spray 0 to 2 times per year, depending on nuisance, holidays, and West Nile Virus surveillance.
The County covers the cost for a West Nile Virus surveillance trap that they collect and test for West Nile Virus weekly.
Currently the City does not have a larviciding program but may be considered in the future.
The adult mosquito control applications are City-wide.
Residents can receive a text or email prior to adult mosquito control applications via text or email by registering for service notifications at the Clarke portal – www.clarkeportal.com/hotline.
What You Can Do to Help
Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water, which will hatch in 7 to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place, eliminating the need to use pesticides against adult mosquitoes. This also reduces the number of mosquitoes around the house. Here is a checklist and some things you can do:
• Check for items that might hold water including wheelbarrows, tires, hubcaps, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, pipes, drains, boats, canoes, recycling bins, and trash.
• Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, puddles, buckets, jars, and cans.
• Completely change water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly. Drill drainage holes in tire swings.
• Stock ornamental ponds and fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent that contains N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Follow directions carefully.
• Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
What You Need to Know About Truck Spraying
Mosquito control districts or local government departments track both nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes that can spread viruses. Spraying larvicides and adulticides from a truck, according to label instructions, is one way to kill mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes in an area. This is especially important when people in the community are getting sick from mosquito bites.
Truck spraying is used to:
• Control and reduce the number of mosquitos that can spread viruses.
• Reduce your chances of getting infected with viruses.
What are mosquito control trucks spraying?
Mosquito control trucks may spray adulticide or larvicide. Very small amounts of adulticide are sprayed into the air to kill flying mosquitoes (adults). Larvicide is applied directly to the water where mosquitoes have been detected. This type of application is also useful to kill mosquito larvae living in places that are difficult to reach.
When does spraying occur?
Adulticiding: Spraying occurs when mosquitoes are most active. Generally, local government agencies or mosquito control districts announce the dates and times of spraying in the local newspaper, on district websites and social media, by telephone, or through door-to-door notices.
Larviciding: Applications are typically done during the day so that the driver can easily locate bodies of water where mosquito larvae have been detected.
How often do communities spray?
After spraying, mosquito control districts or local government departments will track mosquito populations and treat an area again as necessary to reduce the chances of people getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Is the spray harmful to people, pets, animals, or the environment?
No, when done correctly, truck spaying will not harm people, pets, animals, or the environment.
What should I do during or after spraying?
Spraying is safe when applied by a licensed vector control professional who follows label instructions. If you prefer to stay inside and close windows and doors you can, but it is not necessary. The spray does not harm pets, but you may choose to bring them inside when spraying occurs. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns following spraying.
Information on insecticides and health:
The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the registration of insecticides.
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIS) provides information online or through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.