Truck Spraying

What You Need to Know About Truck Spraying

Trucks fitted with special spray equipment can be used to treat areas with larvicides or adulticides to kill mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes. This process is called truck spraying. Truck spraying is used to:

• Control and reduce the number of mosquitoes that can spread viruses. This can reduce your chances of getting sick.
• Control and reduce the number of nuisance mosquitoes that bother people but do not spread viruses.
• Treat entire neighborhoods in a short period of time compared to some other methods.

Mosquito control districts or local government departments track both nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes that can spread viruses. Spraying larvicides and adulticides from a truck, according to label instructions, is one way to kill mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes in an area. This is especially important when people in the community are getting sick from mosquito bites.

What are mosquito control trucks spraying?

Mosquito control truck spraying insecticides into the air. Photo courtesy of Ed Freytag, City of New Orleans Mosquito & Termite Control Board.

Adulticiding: Mosquito control trucks spray very small amounts of insecticide into the air to kill flying mosquitoes. This spray is a fine mist that acts as a fogger in the area.

Larviciding: Mosquito control trucks apply larvicides directly to the water where mosquitoes have been detected.  This type of application is also useful to kill mosquito larvae living in places that are difficult to reach.

When does spraying occur?

Adulticiding: Spraying occurs when mosquitoes are most active. Generally, local government agencies or mosquito control districts announce the dates and times of spraying in the local newspaper, on district websites and social media, through public service announcements, by telephone, or through door-to-door notices.

Larviciding: Applications are typically done during the day so that the driver can easily locate bodies of water where mosquito larvae have been detected.

How often do communities spray?

A truck with a sprayer used to apply larvicides. Other similar types of sprayers are available and can be fit onto trucks or a trailer.

After spraying, local government departments or mosquito control districts will track mosquito populations and treat an area again as necessary to reduce the chances of people getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Is the spray harmful to people, pets, animals, or the environment?

When applied by a licensed vector control professional who follows label instructions, truck spraying poses minimal risk to people, pets, animals, and the environment. There is a possibility that spraying larvicides, like Bti, or adulticides can cause eye irritation if a person is outside when spraying takes place.

What should I do during or after spraying?

Spraying is safe when applied by a licensed vector control professional who follows label instructions. If you prefer to stay inside and close windows and doors, you can, but it is not necessary. The spray does not harm pets, but you may choose to bring them inside when spraying occurs. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns following spraying.

Information on insecticides and health

• The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the registration of insecticides.
• The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) provides information online or through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.