Air Force Reserve to assist Miami-Dade with mosquito abatement

  • Published
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  An aerial mosquito abatement program will take place July 29-31 in various areas across Southern Miami-Dade County.

County Mosquito Control has determined areas on Homestead Air Reserve Base and surrounding communities where mosquito numbers have reached significant levels.

Specially equipped C-130H cargo planes from the Air Force Reserve Command's 910th Airlift Wing in 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 AW 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 across the country in areas experiencing excessive mosquito populations.

Residents should be alert and expect to see the large 4-engine propeller aircraft during this period flying at or above 150 feet ground-level during the actual spraying application. Some residents may remember the same aerial spraying two years ago.

The amount of insecticide applied 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 at 311. They may also contact the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (786) 415-7330 or email: 482FW.PA@us.af.mil.