Aerial Spray Operation Scheduled To Combat Mosquitoes
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) has scheduled a series of aerial spray operations for Harris County (nearly one (1) million acres). The aerial operation will take six (6) days (Sept. 24-29) and will be conducted between the hours of 8:30pm - 4:00am.
The first aerial spray operation will be conducted in eastern Harris County. This includes the area from the 610 Loop at Highway 90 to Beltway 8 and Hwy. 35. The operation will extend eastward to the Harris County line. (See attached map) Several airplanes will be treating nearly 200,000 acres in eastern Harris County, weather permitting.
The insecticide, Dibrom (EPA-approved), is routinely used for aerial operations to combat mosquito-borne disease and will be used during the spray operation in Harris County. While Dibrom is considered to be safe for the environment, some people may be sensitive to direct contact with the chemical.
Since many Harris County neighborhoods continue to be without power, we anticipate more people may be outside during the spray operation. HCPHES asks that you go indoors while the aerial treatment is being conducted in your area.
Vector Disease Control, Inc. (VDCI) of Greenville, Mississippi will be conducting the aerial operation. VDCI holds a contingency contract with Harris County to provide aerial application of adulticides (insecticide used against adult mosquitoes) to assist in the control of mosquito-borne disease.
HCPHES continues to strongly encourage residents to practice preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes. When outdoors, wear an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Empty any containers that may hold water to help reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Here is the map.
