Air Force Reserve Airmen to combat mosquitos in South Miami-Dade

  • Published
  • By 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  An aerial mosquito abatement program will take place Sept. 1-3 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 U.S. Air Force Reserve C-130H cargo planes from the 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.

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 standing water.

Residents should be mindful of low-flying aircraft during this period, and expect to see planes at or above 150 feet above ground level during the actual spraying application.  Click on attached map to see proposed area of spraying.

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 or the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (305) 224-7330 or (305) 224-7263.