Weather permitting, aerial spraying in Fort Bend County should take place one night sometime over the next few days, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Spraying will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and cover the entire county. The State has not scheduled a specific date for the spraying.
The spraying is to reduce the increased mosquito population in our area following the heavy rains from Hurricane Ike.
Specially equipped twin-turbine King Air planes will be used. The planes may fly as low as 300 feet above ground.
Dibrom, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved insecticide, will be used at an application rate of 0.66 ounces per acre. The EPA states that Dibrom can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population when applied according to label directions.
However, beekeepers in the region should take protective measures to prevent damage to their hives.
The public should continue to eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding areas around their homes and be sure that door, porch and window screens are in good condition. The State Health Department also recommends insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 when outdoors, following label directions.
For more information, call 281-341-8608.