Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Spraying for Adult Flying Mosquitoes

Who is responsible for mosquito control?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has responsibility for oversight of all mosquito control operations throughout the state. Mosquito control programs are organized on the basis of taxing districts, county-wide, municipal, or community supported. Some resorts, condo associations, etc., have programs that are directed by their management. Here in the consolidated City of Jacksonville, the Mosquito Control Division is responsible.

What chemicals and techniques are used to control mosquitoes?
Control of adult mosquitoes is generally accomplished by the application of ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays containing malathion, Dibrom, or pyrethroids. In some areas these chemicals are applied as a thermal fog. They may also be applied by aerial application equipment or vehicle mounted dispersal equipment. The City of Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division primarily uses pyrethroid-based formulations dispersed from truck-mounted ULV units and Dibrom dispersed by aerial application equipment.

Do these pesticide spraying programs pose a risk to humans, animals, beneficial insects, or the environment?
Risk factors were taken into account when these products were approved for mosquito control operations. When used according to label directions, they are considered safe.

How do districts spray?
Where to spray is determined by trapping adult mosquitoes, observations by mosquito control workers or by citizen complaints.

Will the city spray my street if I call them?
We may spray your street, if your complaint is supported by other complaints in the area or, if a visit from an inspector confirms the need for spraying. The Mosquito Control Division responds to requests in Jacksonville, the Beaches cities, Baldwin and Maxville. To request Mosquito Control to inspect or spray your property or neighborhood, contact 630-CITY (2489) and an operator will assist you. If you live outside of Duval County, please contact us and we can help you locate your area mosquito control program.

Are there benefits to having my yard sprayed by a private pest control company?
Spraying of yards by commercial pest control companies probably would have little lasting effect and is not encouraged.

Can I spray my yard myself?
Yes. If you observe adult mosquitoes in your yard, you can use any one of several aerosol preparations which are available at stores. If the label states the product is effective for killing adult mosquitoes outdoors, it should be effective. These preparations are considered safe if you follow the directions on the label. Emphasis should be placed on basic yard sanitation and reducing breeding grounds, rather than spraying chemicals.

There are retention ponds in my neighborhood, will Mosquito Control treat them for mosquitoes?
Our technicians rarely find mosquito breeding in older, established retention ponds that hold water almost constantly. These ponds are typically healthy ecosystems with a thriving population of fish, which are predatory in nature towards mosquito larvae. Most of these require little to no intervention from a mosquito control standpoint.  Where we do tend to see mosquito breeding in retention ponds, comes following long periods of drought when the pond has dried out and killed off the fish population. The pond then refills and can breed mosquitoes quite heavily until the fish population gets reestablished. As long as the pond in question remains flooded, there likely isn’t much risk of it breeding enough mosquitoes to become a nuisance. In some situations, fountains and aerators also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in ponds by disrupting the surface of the water enough to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. For more information regarding storm water ponds, check out this EPA link.