Mosquito season is revving up in Fort Lauderdale, and Broward County is taking action. Starting May 22 through May 24, the Mosquito Control Section will be on the move, deploying truck-mounted sprayers to dispense larvicide between the peak hours of 10PM and 6AM. This initiative aims to head off larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—known villains in the spread of diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
The larvicide at the frontline of defense is VectoBac WDG, reputed as safe for humans, pets, and bees, and has no ill effects on aquatic habitats or environmentally-sensitive areas. According to a statement from Broward County officials, the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), is a natural warrior, biodegradable and organic, checked off by both the Organic Materials Review Institute and the US Environmental Protection Agency for the battle against mosquito larvae.
Community action is also key. Broward County Mosquito Control is partnering up with the Florida Department of Health and local code enforcers across Broward's 31 municipalities, to bring down the mosquito population and their breeding grounds. Locals are given the green light to do their part by clearing out standing water where mosquitoes like to throw their breeding parties—think buckets, tires, and birdbaths.
If you're in a pinch with mosquito troubles, relief is just a call away to 311, or you can zap a request via the online Mosquito Service Request Form. The Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, tasked with county roads upkeeps and the mosquito control beat among other duties, ensures staff are on standby round-the-clock. In an emergency, reach out at 954-357-6040, as mentioned in a Broward County press release.
