Aerial spraying for mosquitos Aug 23 - 31

UPDATE: Aerial spraying will now be from August 23-31, between 7:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS -- Montgomery County has scheduled aerial spraying for mosquitos starting the evening of Saturday, August 23, 2014 and continuing through Sunday, August 31, 2014. According to the information received from Montgomery County, the spraying will cover approximately 240,000 acres that include Precinct 3 and portions of Precincts 2 and 4. It will likely occur shortly before dark (around 8:30 p.m.) and finish around midnight during the dates mentioned above, weather permitting. The chemical agent used will be mosquito control chemical Dibrom.

Please see press release below from Montgomery County Emergency Management, released August 20, 2014.

For Immediate Public Release

Montgomery County Aerial Mosquito Spraying Scheduled

On August 18, 2014 at 2 pm, the Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court met in a special emergency session to discuss the issue of West Nile Virus in Montgomery County. From that session, the court approved a resolution after determining that a pest condition in Montgomery County presented a significant risk to human health and must be controlled through the application of pesticide. The Court approved aerial spraying for mosquitoes in the areas of the county identified as the most heavily populated with West Nile positive results.

Montgomery County Public Health Authority, Dr. Mark Escott, advised the court that we currently have had 9 active human cases of the virus with one death. Precinct 3 Commissioner, James Noack, advised that even with the County’s aggressive mosquito abatement program, the number of positive tests on mosquitoes continues to rise. That number has since increased to 10 confirmed cases.

The County will be spraying approximately 240,000 acres with the mosquito control chemical Dibrom. This aerial mosquito spraying is anticipated to begin after certain permits and environmental documents are put into place.

Precinct 3 Commissioner, James Noack advises that Precinct 3 is actively taking measures to protect areas that are affected by this disease. This includes the normal practice of monitoring mosquito populations for size and disease activity, eliminating breeding sites (standing water) and treating areas that have been shown to have West Nile. We will continue to increase mosquito testing and trapping sites as well as treatment of the infected areas.

Commissioner Noack asks that the public continue to think WET:

- Wear insect repellent

- Eliminate standing water

- Treat standing water that you can’t drain

Additional information can be found by visiting Precinct 3 website at the link provided.

Montgomery County Commissioners, Montgomery County Public Health and Emergency Management Officials will be working together to keep the public informed of any updates.

Spraying is scheduled to begin the evening of Saturday August 23 and continue through Saturday August 30, 2014.

Weather permitting; the aerial spraying will take place over the course of several nights, 45 minutes before dark (around 8:30 pm) through midnight. The areas to be covered include Pct. 3, and portions of Pct. 2 and Pct. 4. (See attached map) The chemical, Dibrom, will be dispersed by a twin engine plane piloted by Vector Disease Control, Inc.

According to the EPA, there is no special action required by residents within the treatment areas. However, any residents with concerns are advised to stay indoors with the windows closed during the application times. Additional information as to frequently asked questions and recommended prevention and control measures will also be posted.

Frequently asked questions, updates to the mosquito abatement process and recommended prevention/control measures can be located on the Montgomery County website at www.mctx.org as well as the Montgomery County Public Health site at the link provided.