Mosquito Spraying

The larvae control program consists of reviewing potential mosquito breeding sites throughout the City.  Key breeding sites, usually storm water ponds, are treated using extended release larvicides.  Periodically, both breeding sites and treatment types are evaluated for effectiveness.  The primary product used for larvae control is Altosid XR briquettes.

The focus of the program is to reduce nuisances from active, adult mosquitoes. This is done primarily by applying adulticide using ultra-low volume sprayers. As trucks move throughout the neighborhoods using ultra-low volume sprayers mounted in the back, a light visible fog will move through the area.  The fog will not cause visibility problems.  As with any chemical use, common-sense precautions should be taken, including keeping away from the spray vehicles and out of the fog cloud. The majority of the spraying will be done between dusk and midnight. The primary produce used for adult mosquito control is Biomist 4+4 ULV. As necessary, Flit 10EC insecticide is used for barrier control. These products are permethrin based products, very safe and effective against mosquitoes and gnats. These products have quick knockdown, low odor, and are non-corrosive. These products are registered by the Federal EPA and Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Even though we have selected some of the safest products for this use, common sense dictates that general precautions should be taken when using any pesticide. The City of Hutchinson wants to have a safe and effective mosquito control program. Using trained personnel to handle the equipment and insecticides is of utmost importance.

Throughout the summer months, weekly counts of mosquitoes are taken from two mosquito traps. Monitoring the mosquito population on a weekly basis allows the City to determine whether adulticide applications should continue or be suspended.

In addition to these efforts, property owners are encouraged to do several things to reduce local mosquito populations.

• Eliminate trash, tires, and containers that may hold water and create breeding sites for mosquitoes.
• Store boats covered or upside down.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them inside when they are not used.
• Keep rain gutters and down spouts in good repair. Make sure no water remains in them after a rain.
• Fill depressions in the lawn that hold water.
• Keep clean water in pet water bowls, bird baths, plant saucers and trays.
• Store pails, barrels, tubs, boats, wheel barrows, etc., upside down.
• Keep shrubs, lawns, and weeds trimmed to eliminate shady places for mosquitoes to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Keep screens intact and tight-fitting to prevent insects from entering your house.