Are the chemicals harmful to people or pets?

Any chemical, even salt or caffeine, in a large enough dose can be harmful. The amounts of mosquito control chemicals that come out of the mosquito trucks and aircraft are not harmful to humans or pets. 

As with any chemical, it is always a good idea to keep exposure to a minimum. For this reason, children should not be allowed to follow the mosquito trucks as people often did in the 1940s and 1950s. Pets usually are repelled by the high pitch of the machine. It can be difficult to see or smell the insecticide coming out of the truck or plane. Therefore, even if it seems that they are not spraying, the trucks should not be followed. 

A person or pet that accidentally gets hit with the spray may feel a momentary slight burning or stinging sensation on the skin or in the eyes and may cough briefly if they inhale the spray. The smell is usually worse than the taste or sting. Unless someone is very sensitive or allergic to chemicals, washing the skin with water is all that is needed. At the low insecticide dosage used, no other symptoms should be experienced. If other symptoms are experienced, a physician should be consulted immediately. If appropriate: People who are chemically sensitive should give their names to their local mosquito control program so they can be notified prior to any spraying.

Show All Answers

1. What if I don’t want my property treated or sprayed?
2. Are mosquitoes attracted to some people more than others?
3. What purposes do mosquitoes serve?
4. What diseases do mosquitoes carry?
5. Do mosquitoes carry AIDS?
6. Are the chemicals harmful to people or pets?
7. Will DEET hurt children?
8. What is the best personal repellent?
9. How can one type of insect be controlled without hurting other insects or wildlife?
10. What is the best way to control mosquitoes?
11. How effective is the spray?
12. Why can't mosquito control programs spray during the day?
13. How do districts decide where to spray?
14. How long does the mosquito spray last?
15. What does Mosquito Control do and why?
16. How safe are the pesticides being used?
17. When do you spray?
18. Is it true that only certain mosquitoes bite and/or transmit disease?
19. Can I as a homeowner make a difference in the mosquito population in my area?
20. Can I spray my yard myself?
21. Why is it so important that I inspect my yard when ditches and woodland surround me?
22. When are the Commission Meetings held?