Mosquito Control workers are conducting aerial spraying in several areas of Osceola County, depending on the weather. While some may oppose the idea, local experts believe the procedure is harmless to humans.

Traps put out by Osceola County Mosquito Control usually attract 10-20 mosquitoes at a time. But since Hermine hit, they’ve caught thousands of mosquitoes. In one night, they can catch over 6,000.

“It’s getting out of hand," said Fred Hilare, who lives in Poinciana. "You can’t come out of your house and take a walk. There’s just mosquitoes biting you.”

The active ingredient in the spray used, however, is Naled. The chemical has become controversial as spraying to stop Zika-carrying mosquitoes has ramped up. In South Florida, protesters have packed government meetings, hoping to stop the chemical from being used.

Federal agencies, including the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency say Naled is not harmful to humans when used according to directions.

“We are heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. There’s a label associated with it, it tells us our parameters,” said Terry Torrens, the director of Osceola County Mosquito Control. “Osceola County chooses to make the low dosage application of half an ounce per acre and to give you an idea of a visual of what that looks like, that’s a teaspoon over a football field.”

Torrens says Naled is short lived and that not spraying could be even riskier.

“The harder they make it on the people who are trying to help them, the more they are at risk for continued transmission,” she added.  

According to the Mosquito Control website, the agency will be spraying approximately 20,000 acres in the following communities:

  • Kenansville
  • Yeehaw Junction
  • Holopaw
  • Pine Grove
  • Deer Park
  • Hickory Tree
  • Fortune Road
  • Narcoossee

Spraying will happen between 8 p.m. and midnight.

Many of the residents we spoke to, like Olga Hervert believe this is a much needed alternative. “I think it’s a good idea to keep the mosquitoes away from biting.”

Aerial spraying in Osceola County is scheduled for this week, pending weather.

Protecting bees from Naled spraying

One group that is concerned about the spraying is beekeepers.

Osceola County Mosquito Control says it has contacted the Kissimmee Valley Beekeepers Association and is keeping its members up to date.

However, a spokesperson for the group says not every beekeeper in the county is a member.

To protect hives from spraying, beekeepers put burlap fabric over them. However, since it's hot this time of year, bees are more likely to stay outside the hive later.

Beekeepers will go out to their hives, wait as long as they can to make sure they have their bees, and then cover the hives.

Then the beekeepers need to go back out in the morning to remove the burlap.

The spokesperson for Kissimmee Valley Beekeepers Association says the 8 p.m. to midnight spraying time was reasonable. Most, if not all of the bees should be in their hives by then.

 

What is Naled?

Naled is an insecticide used primarily to control the mosquito population, but also on food and feed crops, and in greenhouses, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

It has been used since the 1950s, and is especially used during natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

Osceola County Mosquito Control said it was especially concerned about areas flooded from recent storms.

The EPA says Naled, when used properly and as part of mosquito control programs, should not pose any risks to humans, including children. The EPA has a complete FAQ on its website.