HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Texas and Harris County are working with the Air Force Reserve to keep the mosquito population under control following the flooding brought by Harvey.
HCPH says the rain left behind created large areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing will fly a modified C-130 cargo plane to conduct aerial sprays beginning Thursday evening.
The plan is to spray 600,000 acres, mostly outside of the City of Houston limits. The operation may take more than a day.
According to Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health (HCPH), “The goal is to reduce the effects mosquitoes are having on recovery efforts and the possibility of a future increase in mosquito-borne disease.”
Related: Spray areas shaded in yellow (PDF)
“The insecticide, Dibrom (EPA-approved), is routinely used for aerial spray operations to combat mosquito-borne disease and 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,” the county stated in a press release.
For residents concerned about exposure, HCPH recommends they stay indoors during the evening aerial application in the treated areas, as a precaution.
As an extra precaution, beekeepers may wish to cover their colonies to prevent bees from exiting during treatment.
Remember residents can help control mosquitoes by emptying standing water around their homes.
