Mosquito Control

It is not possible to eliminate all breeding sites and prevent the natural migration of mosquitoes, therefore ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying is sometimes necessary to keep populations under control and prevent the potential diseases transmitted through mosquito bites.

Mosquito Control staff determine where to spray based on mosquito species and counts, and other data collected from mosquito light traps.

NHC Mosquito Control uses Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered Perm-X 4-4 for spraying. The pesticide passed rigorous safety tests and is not harmful to human health or the environment when used according to the label (PDF).

Specific questions concerning pesticides can be directed to the EPA, the agency responsible for the registration of pesticides.

Additionally, the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) provides information about the impact of pesticide use on human health. The NPIC can also be reached at 800-858-7378.

Additional Information

Review of Central Life Sciences Mosquito Control Product Containers for Fluorination in PFAS Investigation, February 5, 2021 (PDF)

The CDC recommends using repellants that contain active ingredients registered with the EPA. EPA registration means that the EPA does not expect the product to cause adverse effects to human health or the environment when used according to the label.

Of the products registered with the EPA, those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone products provide longer-lasting protection.

Products containing all-natural ingredients, such as peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus, and garlic, do not require EPA registration and have not been evaluated by the EPA for their effectiveness as mosquito repellents.

Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle, so it is important to eliminate all sources of standing water including coolers, trash bins, toys, rain gutters and pipes, plant saucers, tarps, covered and uncovered boats, and bird baths. Any source of standing water, even as small as a bottle cap, can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.

Thinning shrubs and cutting down tall grass and weeds will also help reduce mosquitoes as they inhabit cool, shady areas to escape hot temperatures that can be deadly to mosquitoes.

• Asian Tiger Mosquito Brochure (PDF)
• Asian Tiger Mosquito Brochure en Español (PDF)

Bees are responsible for maintaining natural plant communities and ensuring the production of seeds in most flowering plants. Without bees transferring pollen from one flower to another for fertilization, crops and plants would not be able to grow or bear fruit. New Hanover County Mosquito Control understands the vital role that bees play in our ecosystem and is happy to work with beekeepers to help protect their hives.

NHC Mosquito Control takes protecting beehives very seriously and works with local beekeepers to address concerns about mosquito spraying in their area. Beekeepers may submit a Spray Exclusion Form (PDF) to request a "no-spray" buffer zone of approximately 300 feet around their property. When arriving at the "no-spray" zone, Mosquito Control will turn off the truck-mounted sprayers and will not turn them back on until the property has been passed. Don't be alarmed if you still hear the motor running while the spray is off.

NHC Mosquito Control may also change spray routes to accommodate "no-spray" areas. Typically, mosquito spraying takes place in the evening hours when bees have returned to their hives. However, there may be some situations when bees are still foraging in the target area when spraying begins. If this happens, Mosquito Control will make an effort to plan spray routes with "no-spray" zones at the end of the route to ensure bees are in their hives by the time the truck arrives at their location.

The spray used by NHC Mosquito Control is not expected to have any residual effects that would affect bee foraging the following day. The chemicals used for mosquito spraying are applied using ultra-low volume (ULV) methods, which translates to very small quantities of chemicals used per acre. The small spray droplets break down with UV exposure, degrade rapidly, and are only effective in targeting mosquitoes while the droplets remain airborne.

Additionally, NHC Mosquito Control only sprays on roadways, decreasing the total area where the spray reaches and limiting any residual effects.

Register your beehives with Beecheck. This will give us an email alert that let us know the location of the hives.

Submit a Spray Exclusion Form (PDF) and notify Mosquito Control of the beehives on your property. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 910-798-6667. We are glad to help you protect your bees.

Additionally, the local Beekeepers Association can provide information on safe methods for protecting beehives.

• Colony Collapse Disorder
• Fieldwatch – Supports communication, collaboration, and cooperation between crop growers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators.
• NC Apiary Services
• NC Beekeeper Association
• NC Cooperative Extension
• NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• New Hanover County Beekeeper Association