In the Coastal Bend area, mosquito control flights last night by Clarke, Texas’ environmental services contractor, treated approximately 366,000 acres in Jackson and DeWitt counties. Tonight, crews plan to spray over DeWitt and Lavaca counties, time and conditions permitting.
Along the upper Texas coast, Texas is receiving support from the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing flying modified C-130 cargo planes staged out of Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. Last night, they covered approximately 197,000 acres over Jefferson, Orange and Chambers counties and plan on working in that area again tonight before moving on other parts of the region. Flights over Brazoria County could begin as early as Tuesday.
A total of approximately 1.4 million acres have been sprayed across all areas. Flight schedules are subject to change.
“The goal is really twofold. One to knock out these nuisance mosquitos so that they’re not impeding the recovery efforts. Secondly, we want to try and limit as much as we can, the number of disease carrying mosquitos, as well,” said the state’s spokesman Chris Van Deusen. “They call it an ultra-low spray and they use between one and two tablespoons per acre. It’s sprayed out in these super tiny droplets that actually just float in the air for a while.”
When applied according to label instructions by a licensed professional, it does not pose a health risk to people, pets or the environment. According to the EPA, people may prefer to stay inside and close windows and doors when spraying takes place, but it is not necessary.
DSHS will be providing daily updates at News Updates page. Additional information: Texas to Conduct Aerial Mosquito Control in Wake of Hurricane Harvey
Questions about Aerial Mosquito Control