Show All Answers

1. Why can I no longer see a spray schedule online? Do you have a set schedule for spraying mosquitoes?

Spraying for adult mosquito outbreaks occurs on an as-needed basis. As such, we make daily decisions based on the data gathered from our traps set across the county, observations from field technicians, and service requests from the citizens.  The program Director considers multiple factors each day before assigning spray truck routes including:

• Mosquito species-specific factors such as population density, breeding habitat, migration pattern, peak activity time, preferred blood source, disease-capability, and chemical susceptibility
• Community-specific factors such as the potential for negative economic or quality of life impact, susceptible populations such as the young, elderly, or immune-compromised, local events and outdoor activities, public concerns
• Environmental factors such as weather conditions (including temperature, rain, and wind), and protection of non-target organisms and ecosystems

This allows us to assign spray trucks where the chemical application is most needed and will be most effective. By using this scientifically justified approach, we can be good stewards of the environment while protecting human health using the appropriate chemicals and amounts sufficient to minimize the negative impact of the vector while avoiding any unnecessary risk.

2. How does the service request work?

All mosquito service requests will be processed by Sumter County Mosquito Control as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours, staff and weather permitting. You can contact the call center at 352-689-4400 and provide us with your name, telephone number, address including the city and zip code, name of your development (if applicable), and gate code (if applicable). Then, your location will be scheduled for inspection and/or be sprayed by a truck depending on the inspection and trap data.

3. How many phone calls do you need to spray in my area?

The number of phone calls for service does not determine when or where treatment for adult mosquitoes will be done.

4. Do you provide public education about mosquitoes?

Yes, mosquito control personnel are willing to provide educational programs to groups throughout the year. Contact the Mosquito Control Office for more information.

5. How many types of mosquitoes are there?

There are over 3,000 different types of mosquitoes. In Florida, we have 80 different species! Some are disease capable and are sent to the lab for testing, while others are only pestiferous.

6. Do all mosquitoes bite?

No, only female mosquitoes bite. Females need blood to make eggs. Male mosquitoes feed on plant sugar. Only some species of mosquito-like to bite people.

7. Where are all the mosquitoes coming from?

Immature mosquitoes live and develop in standing water. The location depends upon the species. Some mosquitoes breed in salt marshes, swamps, crab holes, ponds, swales, bromeliads, and even small containers like buckets. But keep in mind, a mosquito only needs a bottle-cap of water to lay up to 300 eggs at one time! As adults, mosquitoes prefer shady places around vegetation. Chances are if mosquitoes are bothering you at home, they are likely breeding someplace nearby.

8. Can bites from mosquitoes make me sick?

Only a small number of mosquitoes in Florida can transmit pathogens to people. Just because a mosquito can transmit pathogen does not mean it will ever be exposed to it.

9. Are the products that you use safe?

The products we use are registered and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These products have undergone extensive testing to ensure that when they are applied in a manner consistent with the label that they will not have any significant adverse effects on human health or the environment.

10. Does mosquito control harm bees, other pollinators, animals, or organic gardens?

Insecticides used on mosquitoes can potentially harm other non-target insects such as bees, but our spraying, which typically takes place before dawn or after dusk, reduces the potential impact because bees are usually inside their hives during this time.  However, it is not always appropriate to treat before dawn or after dusk for certain mosquito species.  Our mosquito control program keeps an up-to-date list of local beekeepers and organic gardeners and works with them to protect their hives, pollinators, and plants.

11. Can I request not to be sprayed?

Yes. Only the property owner can make this request. Please contact the Mosquito Control Office and request to speak with a Supervisor to be added to our Exclusion List. The spray drift from our trucks is usually about 300 feet, and we closely monitor the wind speed and direction to make sure the spray does not go off-target. Once added to the Exclusion List, a 300-foot buffer zone will be implemented around your property, and when the spray truck passes you may still hear the spray unit’s engine running, but no chemical (it looks like a white plume from the bed of the truck) should be visible.