Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Can't I See Anything Coming Out Of The Planes?
• Why Doesn't FKMCD Spray For No-See-Ums?
• Will The Pesticides Harm My Vegetables Or Ornamentals?
• When can I see your television program?
• Pesticide Safety questions and information

Why Can't I See Anything Coming Out Of The Planes?

In the past the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District used thermal fogging to apply adulticides. The pesticide was diluted with diesel oil and passed through the engine of the plane or the blower in the back of the truck. This produced a thick cloud of smoke that was easily seen. It also produced a certain level of pollution due to the burning of the oil. Now the district uses ultralow volume or ULV applications. A very small amount of pesticide is applied in droplets about the diameter of a human hair. ULV allows mosquito control to use less pesticide to achieve the same results, while eliminating pollution due to use of the diesel oil carrier.

Why Doesn't FKMCD Spray For No-See-Ums?

No-see-ums have a different life cycle than do mosquitoes. Their immature stages, or larvae, are found down in the mud or in rotting vegetation, unlike mosquitoes whose larvae swim in the water column. Larvicides are ineffective for control of no-see-um larvae. The adults often are localized, and applying adulticides for their control is difficult and expensive.

Will The Pesticides Harm My Vegetables Or Ornamentals?

No. Permethrin and naled both are used in agriculture, and at rates much higher than for mosquito control.

When can I see your television program?

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District's television show can be seen every Wednesday night at 7:05 PM on AT&T Channel 19.