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Every Wednesday evening the spray truck will visit our community. Spraying always happens after 7:30 pm. It can be as late as 3:30 am. First, the driver will make sure the weather is cooperating. If it’s too hot (90 degrees or hotter), too windy (over 12 mph), or raining there will be no spraying that week. The driver also checks to make sure there are mosquitoes present. Once he is satisfied that spraying is appropriate, he will spray the community. Any properties that opted out of the spraying program will not be sprayed (more on that later).

The chemical that will be used is called Biomist 30+30. It is an aerosol version of Permethrin mixed with Piperonyl Butoxide. It is sprayed in an ultra low volume application. Obviously, the MD Department of Agriculture feels that this application is safe. However, they do recommend that children and pets be kept inside while the spraying is going on. They also recommend closing your windows during that time. Since the spraying will always be done on Wednesday night after 7:30pm, that recommendation is easy to follow. There is a lot of information online about Permethrin. Permethrin is a common ingredient in flea collars and head lice shampoos. According to the person I talked to at the MD Department of Agriculture, a study was done to see if the chemical could be detected in residents from an area that was being sprayed, like Hillsmere will be. No trace was detected except in some dog owners. This was attributed to handling of flea collars. Here are some links:

MD Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control:

http://www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/mosquito_control

Oregon State University (with USDA):

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/permethr.htm

You need to make up your own mind about whether you want your property to be included in the spraying. If, after doing your research, you want to be excluded, there is a simple way to make sure your property is not sprayed. Here is the form you must send to the MD Department of Agriculture to opt-out (ExemptionPolicy&Form.pdf). You can fax a copy to 410-841-5734 or mail it to the address shown on the form. By opting out, no spraying will be done within 300 feet of your property. Here is a copy of the mosquito spraying policy and a fact sheet (Standard Mosquito Control Operating Procedures.pdf). Please note that, in the event of mosquito-borne disease or conditions that threaten public health, the entire neighborhood will be sprayed, including properties that have opted-out. If you are interested in having your property excluded, you should send in the form right away.

Much of the mosquito problem in Hillsmere is the Asian Tiger Mosquito. They are very difficult to control and very aggressive pests. The spraying will help but there is a lot you can do to reduce or eliminate the problem in your own back yard. Basically, they breed in very small containers of standing water. Here is an article on How to Control Asian Tiger Mosquitoes (How to Control Asian Tiger Mosquitoes.pdf). Please take a look and spend a few minutes checking your property. It will make a big difference.