Broward County Mosquito Control Section schedules overnight larvicide spraying in parts of Hollywood to reduce mosquito populations

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Mosquito Control Section is preparing to spray larvicide in parts of Hollywood beginning Monday, August 31, as officials take preventive steps to reduce mosquito populations and limit the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

The spraying is scheduled to continue through Friday, September 4, provided there are no unexpected conditions or weather delays. The work will be carried out during overnight hours, with truck-mounted sprayers applying larvicide between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The treatment is intended to target the larvae of two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both species are known to potentially spread diseases including dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.

Rather than focusing on adult mosquitoes, the planned treatment targets them earlier in their life cycle. Mosquito larvae can develop in surprisingly small amounts of standing water, including water collected in outdoor containers and certain plants commonly used in landscaping.

Bromeliads and traveler’s palms, for example, can hold small amounts of water that provide suitable places for mosquito larvae to develop. Other common breeding locations around homes and businesses can include buckets, old tires, planters, birdbaths and fountains.

The county says the larvicide being used during the operation is VectoBac WDG. Its active ingredient is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, commonly known as Bti, strain AM6552. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterial mosquito larvicide that is biodegradable.

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According to Broward County, VectoBac WDG is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats or environmentally sensitive areas when used as directed. The product is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute and is registered for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The formulation has also been reviewed by the World Health Organization and is listed as a recommended formulation for controlling mosquito larvae.

The overnight spraying is part of the county’s broader mosquito control efforts. Officials are also encouraging residents and business owners to take steps on their own properties, since eliminating breeding areas can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that eventually reach adulthood.

Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect their yards and other outdoor areas for standing water. Any water found in containers or other objects should be removed when possible. Even small collections of water can provide an opportunity for mosquitoes to breed.

Officials specifically recommend checking items such as buckets, tires, planters, birdbaths and fountains. Water-holding plants should also be inspected as part of routine mosquito prevention efforts.

Reducing these breeding sites can have a wider impact. Fewer places for mosquito larvae to develop can mean fewer adult mosquitoes in the area, including mosquitoes capable of transmitting disease.

Broward County Mosquito Control Section continues to coordinate its efforts with the Florida Department of Health and Code Enforcement partners in the county’s 31 municipalities. The agencies work together to reduce mosquito populations and address the habitats where mosquitoes breed.

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The upcoming operation in Hollywood is therefore only one part of an ongoing effort to manage mosquito activity across Broward County. Weather and other unforeseen conditions could affect the planned spraying schedule.

Residents who are experiencing mosquito problems can request assistance from Broward County. Service requests can be made by calling 311 or by submitting the county’s online Mosquito Service Request Form. Residents can also request service by calling 954-765-4062.

The county’s message comes with a reminder that mosquito control is not limited to scheduled spraying. Property owners can play an important role by routinely removing standing water and checking areas where water may collect.

With the Hollywood treatment scheduled for overnight hours from August 31 through September 4, residents in the affected areas may notice mosquito control vehicles operating between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The county says the treatment is a proactive measure designed to reduce mosquito larvae before they become adult mosquitoes.

Officials will proceed with the planned work barring unforeseen circumstances or weather-related delays. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to continue checking their properties and removing potential breeding areas to help keep mosquito numbers under control.