DOVER, DE — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is set to kick off its annual campaign against mosquitoes. Starting as early as March 15, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section will begin spraying woodland pools to curb the growth of mosquito larvae, aiming to limit the emergence of biting adult mosquitoes in the spring.
The mosquito control operation will commence in southern Sussex County before expanding into Kent and New Castle counties over the subsequent weeks. The effort targets up to 10,000 acres of wet woodlands near populated areas, where the density of mosquitoes could pose a significant nuisance and potential health risk to residents.
To control the mosquito population, a helicopter will administer the bacteria-derived insecticide Bti across the targeted areas. This biological insecticide has been deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, posing no unreasonable risks to human health, wildlife, or the environment when used as directed by federal law.
The spring campaign marks the start of Delaware’s mosquito control season, which typically persists until late October or early November. As the season progresses, the Mosquito Control section will expand its operations to tackle larval and adult saltmarsh mosquitoes, other freshwater mosquitoes, and urban and suburban container-breeding mosquitoes. These efforts aim not only to enhance the state’s quality of life by reducing mosquito nuisances but also to safeguard public health by mitigating the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents can stay informed about scheduled mosquito spraying activities by calling the toll-free number 800-338-8181. They can also subscribe to the Mosquito Control’s Spray Zone Notification System to receive updates via email, text, or voicemail.
This annual mosquito control initiative aims to be a proactive approach to managing Delaware’s mosquito populations and protecting residents from the potential health risks associated with these pests. Through the strategic use of approved insecticides and a comprehensive approach to mosquito population control, the state is striving to make outdoor activities more enjoyable and safer for its residents this spring and beyond.
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