Residents of South Central Broward should prepare for a nighttime activity next week, as the Public Works' Department's Mosquito Control Section begins spraying larvicide. The operation is scheduled to kick off in areas of Dania Beach, Davie, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines starting Monday and is set to continue through Friday, October 25, barring any weather delays. According to an announcement from the county, the nighttime activities will take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., aiming to proactively halt the propagation of mosquitoes that could potentially spread viruses like dengue and yellow fever.
The weapon of choice in this insecticide arsenal is VectoBac WDG, chosen due to its harmless nature to humans, pets, bees, and the environment. Its active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, strain AM6552), is a natural, biodegradable bacterial larvicide. It's both certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute and registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency for use, and also listed by the World Health Organization as a recommended formulation to specifically target and to safely eliminate mosquito larvae.
Inhabitants of these areas shouldn't be too quick to leave all the heavy lifting to the county. The Mosquito Control Section urges both residents and business owners to do their part in reducing potential mosquito breeding spots. Regular checks on properties for standing water in places like buckets, planters, and birdbaths can immensely curb the adult mosquito population. Those extra efforts mean fewer vectors for disease.
For those feeling besieged by these blood-sucking pests outside of spray times, Broward County has a hotline at the ready. Afflicted parties can call 311 or submit a request for service through the county's online Mosquito Service Request Form. The Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, which includes mosquito control among its many responsibilities, remains accessible for more information at 954-357-6040 during regular business hours.
