Flagler County Emergency Management has been working together with the East Flagler Mosquito Control District and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to arrange for widespread aerial mosquito spraying due to a surge in mosquito populations in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. It will likely begin the evening of Saturday, November 2 (dusk to dawn) and continue each night until dawn on Wednesday, November 6.
The decision was made with consultation from the Florida Department of Health and evidence of the significant increase in mosquito populations countywide.
While the spraying is nearly countywide, organic farm parcels and larger unpopulated natural areas will be excluded from spraying.
The planes will be flying at low altitudes and will generate considerable noise. Pesticides for mosquito control are applied at “ultra-low volume” with rates of less than an ounce per acre.
Mosquitoes are most active at night when pollinators and other beneficial insects are less active and, therefore, avoid exposure. The active ingredients break down quickly and do not have any residual effects.
While there is no anticipation of negative impacts on honeybees, beekeepers will be notified by the UF|IFAS Flagler Extension Office.
The mosquito spraying schedule is contingent on the weather and availability of the state’s contracted planes upon completion of existing missions, as well as other unforeseen delays.
