Residents of St. Charles Parish on the Westbank can expect the buzz of twin-engine aircraft on Wednesday evening as Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) takes to the skies for a round of aerial mosquito control. Scheduled for September 24, from roughly 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm, this operation aims to dampen the local mosquito population just in time for the festivities of the Alligator Festival.
The neighborhoods of Taft, Hahnville, Luling, Willowdale, Mimosa, and Boutte will be treated with an EPA-approved mosquito control product that is deemed safe for residential, municipal, and agricultural areas, St. Charles Parish government officials announced. The aerial application gear aboard the aircraft is designed to deliver the pesticide effectively, leveraging real-time meteorological data for precision in the dispersal of the mosquito control product.
Pilots will maintain an approximate altitude of 300 feet during the aerial spraying, utilizing sophisticated guidance systems to ensure thorough coverage over the specific areas. VDCI, which specializes in vector disease prevention and mosquito management, is slated to complete the operation in one evening, conditions permitting. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been duly notified, following requirements, to keep the public informed about these aerial spray operations.
If unexpected delays come into play, the parish has indicated that the spraying will be rescheduled for the next suitable night. Local officials have affirmed the necessity of the measure in the combat against disease-spreading mosquitoes, particularly in light of upcoming public gatherings like the Alligator Festival that draws locals and visitors alike.
