Frequently Asked Questions
The Outreach Specialist is also available for community meetings; please email [email protected] for information.
A local government agency that is not part of any County or City Government. An independent elected Board raises property taxes and provides mosquito control to a defined area across city boundaries and to only part of a County. Our District Boundaries are here: https://flaglermosquito.gov/about/district-boundaries/
Mosquito activity is monitored year-round in the District. When sufficient adult mosquitoes are present, a control mission is planned. Spraying may be conducted any day of the week and is typically done after sunset for several hours. Current Operations.
Yes, weather affects spraying. Whether it be aerial or ground applications, spraying may be postponed because of relatively high winds or precipitation. Some wind is preferable because it aids in distributing the microscopic particles put out by the ultra-low volume equipment specific to mosquito control.
All treatments are displayed on our Current Operations page. The District also posts to the following social media pages:
Mosquitoes are relatively fragile insects with an adult life span that typically lasts 3-6 weeks. The vast majority meet a violent end by serving as food for birds, dragonflies, and spiders; or are killed by the effects of wind, rain, or drought. Some mosquito species may persist for as long as 5 months if environmental conditions are favorable.
The East Flagler Mosquito Control District was formed to prevent health and nuisance problems caused by mosquitoes. The District does not treat for any other insect or pest.
Citizens’ TIPS are added to our surveillance data, but it doesn’t guarantee a treatment. If we see a pattern of increased mosquito populations in a large area, we will typically plan a treatment. Our Field Technicians are always happy to visit a homeowner’s property to investigate for mosquito habitat and apply a larval – or juvenile mosquito – control material to an affected area if needed.
There are no special steps you need to take before a spray mission. More information about our missions from the Centers for Disease Control is below.
There are a number of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -registered alternatives available, including those containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. When EPA-approved repellents are applied properly and reapplied as needed, they are proven to be effective and will provide adequate protection.
Larvaciding is the term used when controlling mosquitoes in their larval or immature stages. This can be done biologically or with treatment products. Larvaciding is a major part of the District’s operations, but is often not seen, as Field Technicians travel on foot in remote areas known to be locations that produce mosquitoes.
The District is not utilizing genetically modified mosquitoes (GMO) at this time and has no plans to participate in the near future. The target mosquito for this treatment is the Aedes aegypti, and while this species is present in the District, it shares a habitat with Aedes albopictus. Both these mosquitoes breed in artificial containers like buckets, tires and kids toys as well as ornamental bromeliads. GMO is costly and does not target any of the other 48 species of mosquito in our area. Education and source reduction are the best and most cost effective treatment for these species at this time.
Mosquitoes can be controlled in a variety of ways. Within the boundaries of the District we utilize a proactive approach to mosquito control. Our focus is on preventing adult mosquitos from emerging.
Control measures start with education in the community; knowing how to prevent mosquitoes in and around your home is a key method of control.
The next method in proactive mosquito control is source reduction: reducing areas that breed mosquitoes. This can be as simple as turning over a bucket or recycling a tire.
After source control comes biologic control: introducing natural predators, such as Mosquito Fish, to an area that fish cannot get to will assist in curbing the mosquito populations.
The next step is larvaciding; this is treatment of the water with products that target mosquito larvae as they filter feed. These products are not known to harm any other aquatic life.
Beyond larvacides are surface oils; these oils break down fairly quickly, however prevent mosquitoes from reaching the water’s surface.
Even with all these control measures, there is still a need to control mature mosquitoes via adulticiding; these missions are done via truck or helicopter (only at night), are planned based on a number of factors, and are highly regulated. All the products used by the District are listed here .
Adulticiding is the term used when treating for mature mosquitoes. While adulticide products reduce mature mosquitoes at a rapid rate, the product(s) are short lived and leave no residue. The most common and most recognizable vessel to apply these products is the “spray truck,” however products can be applied via helicopter, on foot or in special circumstances via plane. *Note: the district does not utilize planes as a normal tool for mosquito control.
The District is not utilizing SIT at this time and has no plans to participate in the near future. The target mosquito for this treatment is the Aedes aegypti, and while this species is present in the District, it shares a habitat with Aedes albopictus. Both these mosquitoes breed in artificial containers like buckets, tires and kids toys as well as ornamental bromeliads. SIT is costly and consumes an abundance of manpower and does not target any of the other 48 species of mosquito in our area. Education and source reduction are the best and most cost effective treatment for these species at this time.