Mosquito Control Inspector Checking for mosquito larvae

Palm Beach County's warm tropical air and above average rain fall create the perfect environment for insects to multiply. ERM's Mosquito Control staff work hard to enhance the health and quality of life by reducing mosquito populations. Staff use chemical treatment, hormonal and bacterial larvaciding, and biological control methods. Working closely with other agencies like the Health Department, our staff act as first responders to mosquito-borne disease outbreaks as well as coordinate day to day interactions with residents on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their backyard.

​Mosquito Control Inspector Fogging

Palm Beach County uses the following industry-standard products approved for use in the United States to combat mosquitoes at different phases of their lifecycle:

  • Basillus thuringiensis israelensis
    This biological congtrol is a natural pathogen of mosquito larvae, is sprayed by ground devices in public right of ways such as grassy swales, subdivision drains, roadside drains, and flood channels.
  • Naled
    This insecticide is used in concentrations lower than the labeled amount and sprayed by aircraft using ultra-low volume spray equipment to kill adult mosquitoes.
  • Synthetic pyrethroid
    This organic compound is similar to the natural pyrethrins produced by the flowers of chrysanthemum flowers and sprayed by ground devices to kill adult mosquitoes. 
​Mosquito Control Ground Spraying Operation via Truck
 

   Frequently Asked Questions:  Aerial Spraying

  

Why are aerial sprays conducted?

When adult mosquitoes are observed in high numbers - detected in monitoring traps or by inspectors - or when an outbreak of mosquito-borne disease occurs.

Where is aerial spraying done?
In western portions of Palm Beach County west of Military Trail where mosquito populations are most prevalent in wet environments and for mosquitoes that are most active at dusk.

What time of day is aerial spraying done?
At night when most mosquitoes are most active, when air temperature is lowest allowing spray droplets to reach close to the ground where mosquitoes are flying, and when honey bees are back in their hives.

How do I know when aerial spraying will be conducted?
Palm Beach County issues press releases to local media prior to conducting aerial spraying. In addition, there is an Air Spray Hotline at (561) 642-8775 with up to date information. As a public service, advanced notification for chemically sensitive individuals can be provided with documentation from a physician.

 Mosquito Life Cycle

During warm weather, eggs mature into adults in 7 days.
 
EGG

Depending on the species of mosquito, eggs can be laid in water on rafts
or  on damp ground where water will later cover them. Within a day or two, the eggs hatch into larvae.

LARVA
Referred to as “wrigglers”, larva come to the water surface to breathe. They molt (shed skin) four times during the next several days, growing rapidly between each molt.

PUPA
In this stage, the mosquito grows inside the pupa, becoming fully developed within two days. Pupa cannot eat and breathes through tubes on its back.

ADULT 
Newly emerged adults rest on the surface of the water until strong enough to fly away. 

 

 

Mosquito Life Cycle Graphic

Are Mosquitoes Breeding in Your Yard?

​Graphic of Home Showing Areas Where Container Mosquitoes Could Breed

ZIKA, Did You Know?


Aedes ssp. mosquitoes carry the Zika virus and are commonly found throughout the world. This is the same mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya viruses.


Aedes ssp. has adapted to live in close association with human, living and breeding in water holding containers. They are most active during the day (NOT at dusk) and tend to stay close to their breeding sites.


Aedes ssp. is referred to as a container breeder.  A mosquito that lays eggs in water holding containers as small as a bottle cap.


Because Aedes ssp. mosquitoes do not live or reproduce in ditches, swales, lakes, marshes, or swamps, ground and aerial insecticide spraying has a limited effect for controlling populations.


Permanone 30-30 is sprayed in areas where mosquitoes that carry Zika are suspected using hand-held foggers.

 

THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT CONTAINER MOSQUITOES FROM BREEDING IS TO REMOVE STANDING WATER IN CONTAINERS AROUND YOUR PROPERTY

 Mosquito Facts

There are over 3,000 species of mosquito world-wide. They ALL depend on a source of water to complete their lifecycle.

Florida has the greatest variety of mosquitoes of any state. We have more than 80 species that live and breed here. 

Breeding places and characteristics of mosquitoes varies.

Only female mosquitoes bite.

Females may live several weeks in the summer and many months in the winter. If a female mosquito
survives a long time, she may go through several cycles of blood feeding and egg laying.

Tall grass or shrubs are NOT breeding sites. They do provide resting sites for adults.

Fish, frogs, and dragonflies control mosquito larvae in canals, ponds, and lakes.

Things YOU Can Do

  • Remove standing water. (old tires, gutters, flat roofs, buckets, drums, other containers)
  • Cover open containers tightly with a lid or with 16-mesh screen.
  • Empty plastic wading pools weekly, store indoors when not in use.
  • Store boats covered or upside down.
  • Fill in tree holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
  • Treat bromeliads and other vegetation that hold water with products containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, var. israelensis.
  • Stock your ornamental water garden with mosquito-eating fish (e.g. minnows, Gambusia spp., goldfish, or guppies).
  • Repair screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Have a Question?
Call or Email Us

  561-967-6480
erm-mosquito@pbcgov.org


Have Mosquitoes?
Let Us Know

  Report Mosquito Activity


Want to Know Before We Spray? Sign Up For

Aerial Spray Notification


Want to Know the Status of an Aerial Spray Operation?
Call the Aerial Spray Hotline

561) 642-8775


Additional Resources ​    

Florida Department of Health

 Florida Mosquito Control Association