Mosquito Control

The City of Mills Public Works Department would like to announce that mosquito fogging will begin starting the week of June 4th and continue through the mosquito season using a truck-mounted ultra-low volume aerosol sprayer. Spraying is scheduled Monday – Thursday weather permitting, between the hours of 9 pm and 1 am.

Fogging for mosquitoes will be performed in areas that have unacceptable concentrations of nuisance mosquitoes or where health-threatening species have been detected. These locations will be established based on citizen feedback.

In an effort to control mosquito populations, City crews have been actively treating standing bodies of water in and around Mills for mosquito larva, which greatly reduces the development of adult mosquitoes.

The public can also help control mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water greatly reduces mosquito breeding grounds. Stagnant ponds and wetlands are favorites for female mosquitoes to lay their eggs, but even a few tablespoons of water will do. So please clean your rain gutters, store buckets upside down, drain unused troughs, and eliminate any other places that hold water around your home.

For questions or to request that your home be in a “NO SPRAY ZONE” please call the Mills City Hall @ 307-234-6679

The “5 D’s” of West Nile Virus Prevention Include:

  • DAWN and DUSK – Mosquitos prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid being outside during these times.
  • DRESS – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.
  • DRAIN – Mosquitos breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining and/or removing.
  • DEET – Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). When using DEET, be sure to read and follow label instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pets go outside during spraying?

The materials used for controlling mosquitoes used in accordance to the label are not harmful to animals. Many times it is same materials used to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks. However, if you want to reduce your pet’s exposure, keep them inside during spraying.

Category: Mosquito Control
Do mosquito sprays affect animals other than mosquitoes?

The extremely small droplet aerosols utilized in adult mosquito control are designed to impact primarily on adult mosquitoes at the time of the application. Degradation of these small droplets is rapid, leaving little or no residue in the target area at ground level. These special considerations are major factors that favor the use of very low application rates for these products, generally less than 4 grams active ingredient per acre, and are instrumental in minimizing adverse impacts.

Category: Mosquito Control
How will these insecticides affect me and my family?

The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient 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. At the rates we apply these products, they should not pose a significant risk to you or your family, and in fact, are used at a higher rate to treat head lice in children; however, it is always a good idea to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed during applications.

Category: Mosquito Control
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. All of the products we use are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for controlling mosquitoes and protecting the public. Although mosquito control pesticides pose very low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or even further minimize exposure.

Category: Mosquito Control
What does weather permitting mean?

For the most effective results, adultidices should be applied when meteorological conditions create a temperature inversion and wind speed does not exceed 10 mph.

Category: Mosquito Control
What if I have a vegetable or fruit garden?

Just as you normally would, wash your vegetables and fruit before you eat them.

Category: Mosquito Control
What is larviciding?

Larviciding is controlling mosquitoes in their larval stage. Larvicides are products used to reduce immature mosquito populations. They can be either biological or chemical products. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs and larvae. When used well, larvicides can help to reduce the overall mosquito population by limiting the number of new mosquitoes that are produced.

Category: Mosquito Control
Why do you spray at night and early morning?

A majority of mosquito species are active at night (late afternoon) or early morning and targeting them during these hours reducing the impact we have on non-target species (honey bees, butterflies, etc.). Other benefits of fogging at night include fewer people outside and lower temperatures.

Category: Mosquito Control
Will the adult mosquito treatment affect my swimming pool water, lawn furniture, play equipment, toys, etc.?

Your swimming pool water and items found in your yard should not be affected. Applications are made in the very early morning hours or late evening hours, and pyrethrins break down rapidly in sunlight.

Category: Mosquito Control
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