Public Health Pesticides For Mosquito Control: A Higher Standard

Are Mosquito Control Pesticides Safe?

Pesticides are vital tools for the management of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Climate change, urban development, and severe weather events are making the world more hospitable to mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue, and other deadly diseases. Though proactive management is essential for the protection of our communities, pesticides are an important component of an integrated mosquito management program. Understanding how pesticides are developed and incorporated into mosquito management programs is key to ensuring they work safely and effectively in our times of greatest need.

As a mosquito management company with a mission to protect public health, VDCI only uses pesticides that meet all federal guidelines and are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies for that specific purpose. The process of developing and registering a pesticide product can be lengthy and complex, but helps ensure that products work as intended without unreasonable adverse effects on humans or the environment, including endangered species, non-target insects, plants, ground water, and the food supply.

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Before a pesticide can be registered for public health purposes, it must undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes. This research is typically conducted by the manufacturer or a third-party testing facility and can take several years to complete. All information pertaining to the pesticide, its chemical composition, proposed use, and safety data is evaluated by the EPA to identify the product’s benefits and potential risks:

  • ​Aggregate risks – through food, water, and residential uses
  • Cumulative risks – from different pesticides with the same effects
  • Occupational risks – to those applying the product during their work

As part of this process, additional testing or data collection may be required. Once the pesticide has been deemed safe and effective for mosquito control, it will be published in the Federal Register and issued a label number with precise specifications and precautions for product use. The EPA will continue to monitor its impact and performance through periodic reviews and inspections. If any safety concerns arise, the pLEARroduct’s registration may be revoked, or it may require additional labeling or testing.

Following label guidelines is a crucial aspect of pesticide safety. Many of the products used in mosquito control can only be applied by licensed professionals with the appropriate training and equipment, such as ULV (ultra-low volume) sprayers, aircraft, or GPS-guided drones. These technologies help optimize pesticide use, allowing for just one ounce of product per acre to be applied. Experts also have access to multiple pesticide products, each of which contain different active ingredients and may require unique application methods or frequencies, so understanding label specifications and taking into account proper timing is essential.

Government leaders are tasked with the challenging job of protecting the public from nuisance mosquitoes as well as the threat of disease transmission, but sometimes citizens have reservations about the use of pesticides in their communities. VDCI strives to minimize product applications by incorporating a variety of safe, environmentally responsible techniques under one program. 

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Laws and regulations around pesticide use are incredibly stringent, and VDCI is committed to driving new techniques and innovations that make pesticide applications even more safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Though mosquitoes are a problem that will not be solved any time soon, government leaders and their community members can rest assured that their safety is the foremost priority of an IMM program.

Through an integrated approach, professionals work to identify and removing mosquito breeding habitats, target mosquitoes at the larval stage, and continually monitor for the presence of disease. Pesticides are only used when pre-determined disease or population thresholds are met.

Safety is at the center of everything we do, which is why public education also remains a central pillar of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs. When government leaders choose to partner with a mosquito control company focused on protecting public health, they ensure their community members have access to the latest mosquito management resources for mosquito prevention and personal protection from mosquito-borne diseases. VDCI regularly collaborates with health departments, mosquito abatement districts, schools, libraries, and other public organizations to disseminate pertinent information, including real-time updates about mosquito dynamics and scheduled treatments in the local area.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Management Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_squareSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Aerial Mosquito Spraying and How We Make It Safe

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Exploring Aerial Applications for Effective Mosquito Control

As one of the most widespread threats to the health and well-being of our communities, mosquitoes require careful monitoring and management to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, Yellow Fever, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other dangerous diseases. Insecticides, when applied by professionals, are a low-risk and often necessary tool in these efforts. When mosquito populations reach dangerous or unacceptable levels across an entire community or county, insecticides can be applied across targeted swaths of land by specialized aerial fleets. A key part of these missions is preserving the safety of residents and native wildlife by adopting tools and techniques that limit the deposition of pesticides and target mosquitoes during peak activity. 

Residents rely on state and municipal leaders to make decisions that protect the quality of life in their communities. This extends to choosing the right mosquito management partner. Mosquito management companies with an emphasis on protecting public health, like VDCI, use an integrated mosquito management approach that ensures insecticides are used as safely and efficiently as possible. This means applying products only when and where they are needed, and taking great steps to prevent insecticide resistance – so mosquitoes remain susceptible to the lowest levels of product as possible. 

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Conduct Mosquito Surveillance for More Accurate Management Decisions

Effective and safe mosquito management begins with surveillance and monitoring. From the start of mosquito season, experts closely monitor for population and disease surges using specialized traps, lab tests, and species identification techniques. This information can be used to create detailed maps of a region outlining potential areas of concern, mosquito activity patterns, and product recommendations. If predetermined disease or population thresholds are met, aircraft may be deployed to conduct aerial insecticide applications.

Executing Safe and Effective Aerial Mosquito Spraying

Timing is key for aerial mosquito spraying. Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the safety and effectiveness of a mission. For example, large gusts of wind can transport product to non-target areas. Temperature fluctuations can also require altitude adjustments to ensure optimal product dispersion. VDCI utilizes advanced meteorological software to determine the right window of time to act. Once airborne, integrated GPS tracking units, GIS systems, and an onboard meteorological probe allow pilots to spray precise areas while monitoring for environmental changes and tracking exact droplet size and product levels for maximum efficiency. 

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Insecticides are designed to target the unique physical or biological mechanisms in a mosquito without negatively impacting other species or humans. All insecticides used by VDCI are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applied according to label guidelines to protect the well-being of the public and the environment. The EPA regulates not only the quantity of chemicals applied but also use frequency, droplet size and density to ensure the most effective treatment possible. prevention. 

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Capabilities of Aerial Mosquito Spraying

Each aircraft is capable of spraying more than 10,000 acres per load, or 50,000 acres during an overnight mission. All data is generated into a detailed report for stakeholders and the public. This is followed by post-flight monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of the application and monitor for signs of insecticide resistance, and determine present threat levels. If needed, insecticide dosing may be adjusted or rotated out for a more effective product. Through accurate mapping and data reporting, mosquito management experts can maintain regulatory compliance, streamline permitting requirements, and keep stakeholders informed with real-time knowledge. 

Training and regulatory compliance are integral to the safety of an aerial spraying mission. All VDCI pilots are licensed pesticide applicators and authorized through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in maintenance procedures, airspace regulations, and coordination with aviation agencies. This is particularly important for missions in proximity to FAA-controlled airspace. Establishing a line of communication with local control towers safeguards pilots and prevents dangerous airspace congestion. 

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Communicate Aerial Mosquito Management Missions with Citizens

Communication is central to the safety and success of a mosquito control mission. In addition to communication with state authorities and municipal leaders, this includes ongoing contact with the public. Aerial missions, in particular, can get a lot of attention and lead to questions from residents who want to know, “are there aerial mosquito spraying dangers?” VDCI regularly partners with local organizations, including health departments, libraries, and schools to disseminate informative resources and updates to ease any concerns and to also educate residents about ways to stay safe and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Proactively Manage Mosquitoes with an IMM Program

While insecticides are a low-risk and reliable solution to eliminate adult mosquitoes, prevention is key. As part of an integrated mosquito management program, VDCI emphasises surveillance and disease testing as well as larval mosquito control (eliminating mosquitoes prior to them becoming adults). Citizens can also do their part to help fight the bite. Circulating or draining standing water found in bird baths, flower planters, water gardens, buckets, and other outdoor containers will help limit breeding habitats. The public can support professional monitoring and surveillance initiatives in their community by reporting signs of mosquito activity in their local jurisdiction and allowing traps to be set near their properties for data collection. 

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Everyone deserves to feel at ease when spending time outdoors. VDCI prioritizes protecting people and the environment by maximizing the impact of adulticide products on dangerous mosquito populations. Whether by ground or by air, we ensure proper calibration and maintenance for effective mosquito management. Our expertise in aerial application is an asset for government and private entities, and includes any level of support for in-house mosquito efforts or stand-alone management programs.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Prevention Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_square Since 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Add Aerial Application Services to Your Existing Mosquito Management Program

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Add Aerial Application Services to Your Existing Mosquito Management Program

Mosquitoes are most effectively managed when a multitude of professional solutions and innovations are utilized to target the species. Personal protection efforts, public education, mosquito habitat reduction, and ground-based activities are highly impactful in the battle against mosquitoes. Over the last 20+ years, VDCI has helped reinforce these strategies by taking management to the skies. 

VDCI is a leading operator of advanced aerial fleets for adult and larval mosquito control around the country. Aerial applications of EPA-registered insecticides can provide more thorough protection across states, counties, and municipalities, particularly when the risk of vector-borne disease transmission is elevated. 

How can the public benefit from aerial mosquito control?

During warmer months, mosquitoes can be found nearly everywhere in our communities. And because they are capable of traveling many miles for a blood meal, it’s also beneficial to target mosquitoes where they thrive, such as swamps, wetlands, and thickets. Unfortunately, these areas can be hard to reach, environmentally protected, or dangerous for ground crews to navigate. 

Aerial product applications may be the only way to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycle in remote locations where populations are abnormally high or when roads and natural areas are inaccessible due to flooding, compromised infrastructure, or road closures. When conducted from above, monitoring and applications are typically more comprehensive, faster, and safer; ground crews in one Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) spray truck can treat approximately 1,000 acres per load – or potentially less following weather emergencies – while a single aircraft can treat 10,250 acres per load.

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VDCI Aerial Advantage

When designing a management approach, professionals take into account many factors beyond the size and type of area being treated. The process begins with surveillance of the local mosquito species and their populations, patterns, peak activity, and susceptibility to certain types of management styles. VDCI supports the best practices of mosquito abatement districts by helping target mosquitoes at every phase of their lifecycle. This means using specified adulticide and larvicide applications at distinct rates and times of year and with the equipment that’s best suited for the job. 

VDCI is the only company nationwide that operates a diverse, in-house fleet of drones and aircraft that are exclusively dedicated to mosquito control:

Fixed-wing aircraft:​

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  • Capable of treating up to 50,000 acres per aircraft, per night
  • Integrated systems ensure uniform spray cloud density
  • Swift emergency response tool following hurricanes or severe flood events

Professional drone technology:​

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  • Capable of applying up to 200 acres of product per session
  • Pre-programmed flight routes with superior GPS navigation 
  • Highly maneuverable and unobtrusive in residential areas

VDCI’s advanced aerial equipment is operated exclusively by licensed aerial pesticide applicators who are authorized through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All professionals specialize in maintenance procedures, airspace regulations, and coordination with local aviation agencies. Together, these professionals boast a combined 50,000+ hours of experience.

We Are Here For Your Every Need

Whether you are experiencing routine mosquito problems or an unforeseen circumstance, VDCI’s vector control scientists are well equipped to safely mitigate the challenges in your area. Our expertise, technology, and reporting capabilities are an asset to any program in need of aerial application services. Contact us below to learn how we can support your mosquito management program.