PHOTO: A Parks & Recreation vehicle sprays for mosquitoes in this 2019 file photo.
The mosquitoes that were spawned after the heavy rainfall May 1 have reached adulthood, and Parks & Recreation is doubling down on the pesky insects.
Parks & Recreation began spraying for mosquitoes during the weekend, when the adult mosquitoes began appearing.
Staff will finish spraying the entire city May 11. Then, they will re-spray the city a second time May 12-14. This schedule is subject to change depending on weather, since the spray cannot be used in rain.
The treatment schedule is based on safety regulations for the insecticide Parks & Recreation uses. The insecticide may not be used to re-treat an area within three days. The manufacturer also limits the amount that may be applied to an acre within 24 hours.
Mosquitoes take 8-10 days to grow from an egg to an adult, and mosquito spray is not effective on eggs or larvae. During the past week, Parks & Recreation treated standing water on City-owned property with larvicide to kill mosquito larvae.
Parks & Recreation encourages residents to treat or pour out standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
For more information about mosquito spraying, contact Parks & Recreation at 361-485-3200.