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1. When will the City spray?

If West Nile virus is detected in the city limits, the Environmental Health's Mosquito Controls initial response will be to intensify its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites and increase its levels of larviciding in those areas in which West Nile virus has been found. Reducing the adult mosquito population with pesticides (adulticide) approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be done if necessary to prevent human illness or to suppress a heavy nuisance infestation of mosquitos.

The Decision to Spray

The decision to spray, by truck mounted sprayers, will be based on surveillance information or the documentation of West Nile virus activity at a level that indicates a threat to human health. Spraying will be concentrated in areas most at risk for disease occurrence and will be conducted by certified and licensed applicators. The program's aggressive campaign against mosquito larvae is intended to minimize the need to use adulticide.

2. What pesticides will be used, and what are the risks?

When necessary, we will use the ground application of pesticides to kill mosquitos that pose a low health risk to the residents of Abilene and our environment. In the case of an adulticide, only targeting adult mosquitos, we would use botanical insecticides (plant-derived compounds) or synthetic versions of, which include pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids, as well as piperonyl butoxide. In an emergency situation, we may use malathion or sumithrin.

Products

All of the products we use are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and applied according to label directions by our trained and certified technicians. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of the active ingredients in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.

3. Where will the spraying take place?

The spraying will take place in areas of concern, as determined by our mosquito and disease surveillance programs. Our trained and certified technicians use a variety of surveillance techniques and treatment criteria to ensure effective mosquito control with the least amount of risk to our residents and our environment. We will spray within a 1 mile radius of the positive West Nile sample.

4. Why doesn't the City spray every day?

There are several factors that go into a determination by Environmental Health to use an adulticide to control mosquitos, they are:

• Surveillance of adult populations - over 300 oviposited females per night caught in trap.
• A positive sample for West Nile Virus or other Arbovirus from the Texas Department of Health Services lab.
• Restrictions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on specific pesticides to protect the environment.
• When was the last time that area had been sprayed and is there water sources in the area producing mosquito larvae?
• Weather plays a large factor. EPA pesticides are only allowed to be sprayed prior to dawn and after dusk and the wind speed must be less than 10 mph and cool temperatures (less than 90 degrees). So that limits the time we can spray adulticide.

5. Should I take steps to reduce exposure to pesticides during mosquito control spraying?

Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions. Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure. Some common-sense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:

• People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition, may consult their physician and take special measures to avoid exposure.
• Close windows and turn off window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area.
• Keep children's toys indoors.

Since the spray dissipates in a few minutes, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use.