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1. Does the city spray larvicide for mosquitoes?

Yes, there is an ongoing program to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults and begin breeding.

2. Why does the city want to control the immature mosquitoes?

It is much more cost effective to control immature mosquitoes (larvae) than to try and control the adults since the larvae must remain in water during growth and development. A breeding site may contain many thousands of mosquito larvae in a relatively small area. It is cheaper to apply a larvicide to a small area of water to control the mosquito larvae than to spray a large part of the city to control adult mosquitoes that can fly.

3. When does the larvicide program take place?

The applications begin in early spring when larvae first appear and continue throughout the summer and early fall.

4. What type of larvicide is used in the program?

A variety of products are used today to control mosquito larvae. They include surface oils, insect growth regulators, naturally occurring bacteria, fish, nematodes (small worms that are parasites of larvae), and various other chemical agents. The choice of which larvicide to use will depend on a number of factors including the type and size of the habitat in which the larvae are found, the species of mosquito, availability of mosquito control personnel, and the type of application equipment on hand.

5. Are the spray flights the same as the larvicide program?

No. Aerial spray flights are only effective in controlling adult mosquitoes that are flying at the time of the application.

6. Do the spray flights kill all of the adult mosquitoes?

Only the mosquitoes that are actively flying at the time of the application are killed. Mosquitoes resting in vegetation, inside buildings, or other structures will not be affected by the spray. The spray application has no long lasting (residual) effect.

7. Is the spray used in the spray flight program safe for people and pets?

All of the products used in the mosquito control program are registered for such use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are safe for use around humans and pets. Bee keepers are advised to keep their hives covered during the time of spray operations.

8. Who should I call with questions concerning mosquito control?

Call the 3-1-1 Customer Call Center. If you are calling from the City of Hampton, simply dial 3-1-1 on your touch tone or rotary dial phone. From outside the City of Hampton please dial (757) 727-8311. Call takers are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week to assist you.