Aerial mosquito spraying continues this weekend around the area
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Department of State Health Services will continue treating areas of Harris, Liberty and Montgomery counties with insecticide on Saturday night to stymie mosquito development.
Standing water left behind by Hurricane Harvey has created large areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 910th Airlift Wing is flying modified C-130 cargo planes staged out of Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio for the aerial spray operation.
Over the past few nights, teams have treated 3.73 million acres of land in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
In Harris County, the plan is to spray approximately 600,000 acres by air as weather permits. [CLICK HERE FOR TREATMENT MAP]
"The goal is to reduce the effects mosquitoes are having on recovery efforts and the possibility of a future increase in mosquito-borne disease," explained Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health.
"Basically, these bugs fly at night and with us being able to trail and prepare and be able to fly with night vision goggles, we have increased the kill rate, if you will, of these insects," added Lt. Col. John Boccieri with the 910th Airlift Wing.
The EPA-approved insecticide Dibrom will be used during the spray operation in Harris County. Dibrom is considered safe for the environment and is applied by licensed applicators, according to the label instructions.
You can view more information on Dibrom through the EPA's website as well as this resource.
For anyone concerned about exposure during the aerial spray operation, HCPH recommends people stay indoors during the evening aerial application in the treated areas as a precaution. Authorities advise beekeepers may wish to cover their colonies to prevent bees from exiting during treatment.
Residents can help control mosquitoes during the recovery effort by emptying standing water around their homes. To reduce the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents are encouraged to use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent when outside. To keep mosquitoes out of the home, people should make sure their window and door screens fit tightly and are in good condition.
The northern third of Harris County and most of the southern section of the county are going to see this aerial spraying. The chemical is used in low concentrations, only about 1 to 2 tablespoons for every acre, but there are more than half a million acres to be sprayed.
Report a typo to the ABC13 staff
