Friday, April 15, 2011

Mosquito Control to Ramp Up Spraying Operations This Weekend

After being inundated with telephone calls from Hernando County citizens this week, mosquito spraying operations will increase beginning Friday evening. Mosquito Control Supervisor Guangye Hu has been authorized by County Administrator David Hamilton to spend the funds necessary within the Mosquito Control budget to pay county staff overtime to begin night-time spraying through the end of next week. If it becomes necessary to move funds from reserves later in the year, staff will bring that to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners.

This action and the inordinate number of phone calls (well over 100 per day since Monday) is a result of the recent heavy rainfall and standing water throughout the county. The standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes to the point that it has become a serious situation. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 1/4" of water.

Mosquito Control has four spray trucks which will be operated day and night by Mosquito Control staff, other Utilities Department staff and temporary drivers hired for the specific purpose of increasing the spraying until the situation is brought under control. Mosquito Control has also increased other treatment methods besides spraying such as larvaciding - a method to kill the mosquito larvae.

The authorization to increase the spraying came after a meeting with Joe Stapf, Environmental Services Director, Dr. Guangye Hu, Mosquito Control Supervisor, and the County Administrator. It is hoped that these increased efforts and residents practicing wise prevention measures will help bring the situation under control.

Residents should use mosquito repellant if they plan to be outdoors both during the daytime and evening hours. Wear long sleeves and long pants in the evening. Also, to reduce mosquito-breeding sources, check around your property and dump out any standing water that has collected in flower pots, toys, lawn furniture or anything that holds water, including ornamental plants—remember, mosquitoes only need 1/4” of water to multiply.

For more information, call Mosquito Control at (352) 540-6552,

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