Air Force Reserve to combat mosquitos in South Miami-Dade

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla --  An aerial mosquito abatement program will take place July 26-28 in various areas across southern Miami-Dade County. County public health personnel have determined areas on Homestead ARB and surrounding communities where mosquito numbers have reached nuisance levels.

Specially equipped C-130H cargo planes from the Air Force Reserve Command's 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown, Ohio, will commence a routine aerial spraying operation using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered pesticide Dibrom (also known as Naled), which is registered for use in Florida. The 910th is home to the only full-time, fixed-wing aerial spray unit within the Department of Defense.

Adult mosquito control will occur during the final two daylight hours prior to sunset and up to 30 minutes after sunset. Residents should not be alarmed. This is a routine operation that has been conducted successfully and without incident in other areas that have experienced excessive amounts of mosquito populations.

Residents should be alert to the large 4-engine propeller aircraft during this period and expect to see planes at or above 150 feet above ground level during the actual spraying application. Some residents may remember the same aerial spraying during the first week in Sept. 2009.

The amount of insecticide in the air should not affect people or animals. Beekeepers are asked to keep their bees covered during the spraying operations in their particular area. Concerned citizens should contact the Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control Division (305) 592-1186 or dial 311.  They may also call the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (786) 415-7330.