Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Beginning on Tuesday, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach homeowners may find truck-mounted sprayers in their areas as part of a concentrated attempt to lower mosquito populations. With an eye on lowering the larvae of disease-carrying mosquitoes, the Mosquito Control team of Public Works Department will be using these vehicles to spray larvicide.
From August 6 to 10, excluding any delays resulting from weather or other unanticipated circumstances, these sprayers will run nightly from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. The initiative aims to target the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species, both known carriers of viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
These specific mosquitoes are well-known for growing in small quantities of water contained in common objects like birdbaths and planters. The places selected for spraying are those where water gathers naturally, including those of containers and water-holding plants usually utilized in neighborhood beautification.
VectoBac WDG is the larvicide being utilized; Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacteria designed specifically to target mosquito larvae. This agent is biodegradable and has been shown safe for humans, animals, bees, and aquatic environments, thereby guaranteeing that the spraying will not damage the local community or the surroundings.
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Local authorities also ask businesses and citizens to help to lower mosquito numbers. Regular property inspections and the elimination of any standing water will help community members greatly reduce the mosquito breeding places, therefore lowering the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The Public Works Department provides extra help for those having major mosquito problems. Available on the city website, residents may request services by calling 311 or completing an online Mosquito Service Request Form. This proactive community-wide strategy seeks to improve the health safety and quality of life for every resident in the impacted regions.
