Q: What is the schedule for nighttime treatments?

A: We do not operate on a schedule. We make daily decisions where we will be treating based on the number of mosquitoes we find in traps and/or landing rate counts reported by our inspectors.

Q: How often do you treat in our area?

A: The amount of times an area is treated is dependent on mosquito species and mosquito population data. We have 70+ traps throughout the county that we set and check daily or weekly, depending on the trap type.  The traps help bring attention to areas that might need immediate attention.

Q: Can I request to have the truck treat my area?

A: We do not send the trucks out on request. We are required by the state of Florida to provide mosquito population data to justify our treatment efforts.

Q: How can I find out if you are spraying my area?

A: On our website’s home page, look for the link “Daily Service Map” and click to view the map. The blue shaded areas are where we are treating.

Q: I have honey bees; can I request to be a “no-spray” area?

A: PCMCD works closely with all Pasco County bee keepers registered by the state of Florida. Please contact our office to discuss the options.

Q: Why are you sending an inspector to my house, the entire neighborhood is bad?

A: There are over 45 mosquito species in Pasco County. PCMCD inspectors need to determine which species you are dealing with so that we can provide appropriate management plans.  This may also mean collecting a sample for inspectors to identify the habitat of the species you are encountering.

Q: I just saw an orange and charcoal helicopter flying low, is that you?

A: If it is an orange and charcoal helicopter, it is likely PCMCD. We fly low to ensure the treatment is hitting the application area. It is common for our pilots to perform steep Ag Turns to enter and exit a treatment zone safely.

Q: My neighbor has a stagnant pool? What can be done about it?

A: Unkept pools can become breeding sources for mosquitoes. We can inspect and treat for mosquitoes if we have the owner’s permission to access the property. To address a stagnant pool, please call Pasco County Code Enforcement at (727) 847-8171

Q: I was just sprayed by one of your nighttime Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) trucks. What kind of chemical was it?

A: Our applications are situation specific. Please contact our office and we can determine what product was used in your area.

Q: Your ULV truck was speeding down my road, does that affect the treatment?

A: All our spray trucks are equipped with GPS and a PCMCD accurate flow spray system. We have records of where our trucks traveled, how fast they were going, and if they were treating. These records are reviewed and managed daily to ensure proper treatment.

Q: Why did your ULV truck not spray in front of my house?

A: Typically, our spray technicians suspend treatment when people are observed outside in the path of treatment. If you notice our spray trucks traveling down your road or in your neighborhood, please observe from inside your home so we can provide treatment in your area.

Q: How do I know that your ULV truck was treating?

A: There is a yellow light located on the roof of the truck. The light will be flashing when we are conducting treatments.

Q: How long do mosquitoes live?

A: Most adult female mosquitoes live 2-3 weeks, while the males only live for a week or less. Only the females need blood for the laying of their eggs.

Q: How far can mosquitoes fly?

A: Some mosquito species that breed in containers around the house, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, have limited flight ranges of less than 1,000 feet. Most mosquito species have flight ranges of 1-3 miles. Saltmarsh mosquitoes, Aedes sollicitans and Aedes taeniorhynchus, are often the strongest fliers and are known to travel over 10 miles for a bloodmeal.

Q: How soon after the ULV truck goes by is it safe for people to be out walking or taking out their pets?

A: The US EPA has evaluated the pesticides we use for mosquito control for their safety and have determined that they pose no risk to birds or mammals if used according to the product label directions.

The active ingredients in the pesticide break down quickly and do not leave a toxic residue. You can reduce your exposure by staying indoors during treatments. There are otherwise no special precautions that should be taken once the pesticide clears the area.