Safe and effective larvicide spraying begins this week across Broward County as mosquito season ramps up

Broward County, Florida – This week, truck-mounted sprayers will be going around central Broward County to help eliminate mosquitoes in Lauderhill, Plantation, and Sunrise. The county’s Mosquito Control Section will spray larvicide overnight from June 9 to June 13, weather permitting. The spraying will take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

This round of spraying is a proactive step to get rid of mosquito larvae before they mature. The operation is specifically aimed at Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are known to spread deadly diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. These mosquitoes usually lay their eggs in small amounts of stagnant water, including the water that collects in containers, gutters, or landscaping plants that store water, like bromeliads and traveler’s palms, which are both widespread in the area.

To fix the problem, staff will use VectoBac WDG, a larvicide that has Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in it. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. People, dogs, bees, and water habitats can all safely use this product. The World Health Organization says it works to kill mosquitoes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it’s safe to use. It is also certified for use in organic farming, which indicates it is safe to use in places that are sensitive to the environment.

This is part of Broward County’s larger plan to lower the number of mosquitoes and stop the spread of diseases that mosquitoes can carry. The Mosquito Control Section works in combination with the Florida Department of Health and municipal code enforcement teams across the county’s 31 cities to monitor and regulate mosquito activity.

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People who live in the area are also being asked for to help. Property owners should examine their property for standing water on a regular basis. They should look in birdbaths, flowerpots, buckets, and old tires. Eliminating these little pools of water can dramatically cut down on mosquito breeding places and, in turn, the danger of disease transmission.

People who have problems with mosquitoes in their area can get help by contacting 311 or filling out an online service request.