CHESAPEAKE -- The Chesapeake Mosquito Control Commission will begin aerial spraying Sunday, April 7 to decrease the population of larval mosquitoes.
Residents can expect to see a low-flying helicopter from 6 a.m. until 8
CHESAPEAKE -- The Chesapeake Mosquito Control Commission will begin aerial spraying Sunday, April 7 to decrease the population of larval mosquitoes.
Residents can expect to see a low-flying helicopter from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. for about 12 days.
The aerial spraying efforts are aimed at freshwater woodland, flood-pool, swamp, and open field-breeding mosquitoes and will have little effect on backyard container-breeding species.
Officials say bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), and the insect growth regulator methoprene will be applied to larval habitats to prevent the emergence of adult mosquitoes.
This larvicide mixture is a liquid material and is specific to mosquito larvae. This larvicide is not toxic to bees, butterflies or dragonflies. The chemical does not pose a risk to humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control.
The helicopter will most often be seen after it has released the insecticide and while realigning for another spray pass.
If the weather is not favorable, the spraying will be rescheduled to the next favorable weekday.
Residents may notice the helicopter in areas near wooded and open field portions of the city, including:
- Areas adjacent to the northeast corner of the Great Dismal Swamp.
- Along the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal.
- Along Route 17 and east along the Northwest River basin to the Route 168 Bypass.
- Areas south of Elbow Road and south of Pocaty Road.
Homeowners should follow the following tips to eliminate sources of standing water from their yards which could serve as mosquito breeding areas:
- Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bot