THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (September 14, 2017) – Mosquito populations have increased significantly throughout southeast Texas due to the recent flooding from Hurricane Harvey. To address this, the State and Federal Government are conducting aerial spraying in Harris, Montgomery, and Liberty Counties between September 14 and September 20, weather permitting. The Woodlands Township will be sprayed over a course of two to four days sometime within this period. Spraying will occur in different sections of The Woodlands each night, so spraying will not be seen by all residents every night during the scheduled timeframe. Currently, only one aerial treatment is scheduled for each section.
The most up-to-date information is provided by The Texas Department of State Health Services
http://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm
They have an extensive explanation of aerial spraying here http://dshs.texas.gov/news/releases/2017/Questions-AerialMosquitoControl.aspx
In Summary:
- Spray operations are coordinated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) utilizing large Air Force C-130 airplanes flying at low elevation – 300 ft.
- Spraying is done between dusk and dawn when most mosquitoes are more active and to limit impact on beneficial insects like bees.
- Planes will also fly during daytime hours to assess their flight paths. Daytime flights will NOT spray insecticide.
- Planes are equipped with nozzles that create micro-droplets of insecticide that float in the air and kill mosquitoes on contact.
- Naled (Dibrom) is the product that will be used.
- Naled is an EPA-registered insecticide and does not pose a health risk to children or adults when applied according to label instructions.
- A small amount of active ingredient is sprayed over a large area. Application rate is less than 1 oz (1.5 tablespoons) per acre.
- It is approved for application directly to food crops at higher rates than those used for mosquito control.
- Micro-droplets degrade rapidly when exposed to sunlight or water.
- Because naled is an insecticide, invertebrates such as insects and spiders could be affected. Long-term negative effects on exposed pets and small wildlife are not expected. Risks to wildlife are minimal.
- The State and Counties suggest that residents who are concerned about exposure to aerial spraying stay indoors during the evening aerial application.
- For more in-depth information consult the EPA information on Naled: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/naledmosquito-control##1
- Aerial spraying targets flood plain mosquitoes. These mosquitoes proliferate in such large numbers after flood events that they can severely impact recovery efforts and quality of life. These mosquitoes generally do not carry disease.
- Remaining stagnant water will soon cause an increase in mosquitoes that can spread diseases like West Nile virus. Please take precautions to protect yourself and your family including emptying all standing water around your home each week, wearing EPA-approved repellant, and limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk.
COUNTY PRESS RELEASES
Depending on your county of residence, access the latest information from:
- Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, or
- Harris County Public Health
For more information about The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.