Q&A: Health officials say spray won't hurt humans

Two people in Hillsborough County dying this month from mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis have health officials ramping up efforts to spray thousands of acres by ground and air.

Carlos Fernandes, the county's mosquito control manager, said Friday that more spraying to control the mosquito population was needed after an infant in Brandon died from the illness. Health officials declined to comment on circumstances surrounding the baby's death.

The infant's death this week, along with an Odessa woman who died July 1, prompted the health department to elevate its alarm level for mosquito-borne illness from an advisory to an alert.

But residents are worried that the chemicals used to control the mosquito population may have adverse affects on people, pets and the environment.

Here are answers from health officials regarding the public's concerns about mosquito spraying.

Is the spraying harmful to people?

No, not in the concentrations used. The spraying covers a wide area, so the concentration of chemicals is dispersed.

Is it harmful to pets?

Although deadly to insects, the concentrations used are not harmful to the family dog, cat, reptile, amphibian or other vertebrate animal.

How much chemicals are used?

The volume of pesticides differs according to how many acres need to be sprayed, but mosquito control vehicles have instruments that spray exact amounts depending on the mission.

What are the chemicals?

Dibrom, which health officials say is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in mosquito control.

Why are some areas of the county being sprayed and others are not?

Spraying can be justified and approved only if a certain part of the county shows an increase in mosquitoes, a presence of mosquito-borne illnesses or horses that have died from Eastern equine encephalitis. It is impractical to blanket the county with mosquito spray at once.

Is more spraying planned?

Yes, about three more missions until early next week. That means for the year, communities north of State Road 60 and west of County Line Road will have been sprayed.

How long does the effect last?

Not long. The chemicals kill only the mosquitoes flying around at the time of spraying. A more persistent pesticide would kill beneficial insects.

When does spraying occur?

In the evening hours, around sunset, when mosquitoes tend to feed. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity at night also keeps the chemical mist low, at the level where mosquitoes fly. Evening also means that human exposure to the chemicals is minimized.

How about DEET? Can't we just use that to protect ourselves and children?

DEET is an effective mosquito repellent, but health officials recommend not using it on children under 2 years old. Also, it is not recommended to apply DEET on your face.

Any other precautions I can take?

Avoid being outside around dusk and dawn, when most mosquitoes feed. Wear clothing that covers much of your skin - long-sleeve shirts and long pants - and make sure the clothing is loose. Mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothes.

Where can I go for more information?

Call Hillsborough County Mosquito Control at (813) 554-5029 or visit its website, www.hillsborough
county.org/publicworks/trans
maintenance/mosquitocontrol.