Broward County mosquito control section schedules larvicide spraying in parts of Hollywood

Hollywood, Florida – Broward County officials are preparing to carry out a scheduled mosquito control operation in parts of Hollywood next week, as crews continue efforts to reduce mosquito populations during the peak summer season.

The Mosquito Control Section of the County’s Public Works and Environmental Services Department will conduct larvicide spraying from Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10, depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen delays. The work will focus on specific areas in Hollywood, with locations identified on an official map provided by the county.

Spraying will take place overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., using truck-mounted equipment designed to apply larvicide in targeted outdoor areas. Officials say the goal is not to kill adult mosquitoes but to stop them earlier in their life cycle by targeting larvae before they mature.

Read also: Woman dies after being struck by Brightline train in Fort Lauderdale overnight incident

The treatment is aimed at mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two species known for their ability to spread diseases including dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. These mosquitoes often breed in small, stagnant water sources, which can easily form in everyday objects found around homes and neighborhoods.

Officials noted that even small amounts of standing water can become breeding grounds. Common problem areas include buckets, tires, plant containers, birdbaths, fountains, and decorative landscaping plants like bromeliads and traveler’s palms, which can hold enough water for mosquito larvae to develop.

The larvicide being used, VectoBac WDG, is described by officials as a biological product that is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats, or environmentally sensitive areas. Its active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, strain AM6552), a naturally occurring bacterium that targets mosquito larvae specifically.

According to the county, VectoBac WDG is biodegradable and certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute. It is also registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has been reviewed by the World Health Organization, which lists it as a recommended formulation for mosquito control programs.

Read also: Four lottery tickets split jackpot prize with one winning ticket sold in Broward County

The upcoming project falls within District 6, represented by Commissioner Beam Furr. County officials emphasized that the mosquito control effort is part of a broader, coordinated strategy across Broward’s 31 municipalities, involving cooperation with the Florida Department of Health and local code enforcement agencies.

In addition to scheduled spraying, residents are being encouraged to take their own preventive steps at home. Officials recommend regularly checking properties for standing water and removing it wherever possible to reduce breeding sites and limit the growth of mosquito populations.

By reducing these small habitats, authorities say communities can significantly lower the number of adult mosquitoes capable of spreading disease. The county continues to stress that prevention is most effective when both public agencies and residents work together.

Residents or business owners experiencing mosquito issues can request service directly by calling 311 or by submitting a request through the county’s online mosquito service form. County officials say they will continue monitoring conditions and responding to problem areas as needed throughout the season.