Breaking: Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Osceola County

I live here in Florida and have some information below to announce, but there is breaking news that the Florida pipeline has been approved and should begin today which you can read here. 🙁 Protestors are not happy.

UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed they will be spraying Naled. Feel free to call and ask. It’s delayed only because of the tropical storm here in Florida. They will spray the Orlando area with this known neurotoxin (known to be linked to microcephaly- it’s the spray, not the Zika) on more than a 13 square mile radius of Central Florida, in a residential area of Orlando.

Osceola County, Florida – In response to excessive rainfall, Osceola County Mosquito Control plans to begin aerial spraying of approximately 20,000 acres Tuesday, September 13 between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight for the following communities:

  • Kenansvilleosceola county
  • Yeehaw Junction
  • Holopaw
  • Pine Grove
  • Deer Park
  • Hickory Tree
  • Fortune Road
  • Narcoossee

In the event that weather prohibits aerial treatment, alternate days will be Sept. 14-17, within the same time frame. Mosquito Control will continue to provide ground treatment via spray trucks throughout the County as weather permits. Note: Ground treatments are not conducted when it is raining or if the winds are at 10 miles per hour or greater.

They claim these treatments are not related to Zika in any way but are in response to “flood water” mosquitos from standing water left behind from recent rains. Osceola County is still not seeing high numbers of the mosquitos that can carry Zika, though counts for other types of mosquitos have increased. The aerial applications will target all mosquitos.

However, unless they are careful they are doomed to repeat what happened in South Carolina. But do any of us still believe that Governor Scott actually cares, given what he stands to gain if spraying goes forward?

The Osceola County Health Department recommends citizens check rain gutters and other objects in their yards and around their homes for standing water, and flush out birdbaths every three days. For outdoor nighttime activities, the use of insect repellent containing DEET is recommended, as well as wearing long sleeves and pants. When returning indoors, be sure to wash off the insect repellent.

Drain and Cover:

Don’t go outdoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitos are most active (Editor’s note: or if you want to get sprayed!)

  • DRESS to cover bare skin, with long sleeves and pants
  • The lovely authorities tell people to use mosquito repellants containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-ethylbenzamide) on skin and clothing. (Editor’s note: We would not put DEET, under any circumstances, on ourselves or anyone in our family). Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options (we like eucalyptus). Vanilla oil is also effective for MANY people. Always read the manufacturer’s directions carefully before using a repellant, and make sure the repellant is age appropriate (if you don’t want to poison your children).
  • DUMP any container around your home that is able to hold water.

If you would like to log a service request, please contact Mosquito Control at 407-742-0200.  Please provide your name, phone number and address, and staff will perform a site inspection of the area to determine treatment options.