About Spraying for Mosquitoes in Franklin County

When done properly, spraying for mosquitoes is an effective way to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes and reduce residents’ risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases.

In order to be effective, spraying must coincide with the time of day the mosquitoes are most active. For the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus, that means spraying around twilight and early evening or early morning hours.

Licensed and trained staff apply pesticides intended specifically for mosquito control. The chemicals are registered with the U.S. EPA and Department of Agriculture, and are applied according to federal and state laws.

FCBH operates ultra-low-volume spray machines that are computer controlled and calibrated to apply extremely small amounts of pesticide over large areas. The Franklin County Board of Health uses Permanone® Mosquito Adulticiding by Bayer Environmental Science. In a typical application, we use about one teaspoon of active ingredient per acre.

With the same amount of pesticide in one can of Raid® Yard Guard Outdoor Fogger, FCBH can treat 29.7 acres with ultra-low-volume technology.

The chemicals used by FCBH do not persist in the environment; they break down within hours in water, are destroyed rapidly by light and will decompose when exposed to air. The morning after an application, the amount of residual pesticide on exterior surfaces will be negligible.

To greatly reduce your exposure during spraying, you can take the following precautionary steps:

• Check this site for notices about spraying in your area.
• Remain indoors with windows closed when spraying is taking place, if possible.
• Bring laundry and toys indoors before spraying begins.  Wash with soap and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.
• Bring your pets indoors. Cover ornamental fishponds during spray hours to avoid direct exposure.
• Outdoor tables, furniture, toys and play equipment can be covered or can be rinsed off with water following the application, but it is not necessary.
• Wash exposed skin surfaces with soap and water if you come in contact with pesticides.
• Wash any exposed fruits and vegetables with water before storing, cooking or eating.
• Wait about one hour before allowing children to play in areas that have been sprayed.
• This is for your safety and the safety of our operators. Do not approach or follow a spray truck when it is operating. If you are in a vehicle, please try to find an alternate route.

There is no need to relocate during spraying.  Consult your physician if you have specific medical concerns regarding the spraying. For details about the FCBH Do Not Spray registry, click HERE.

Please click HERE for a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on spraying statistics in other states.