Mosquito Prevention
The City of Zion contracts with Clarke Environmental Services for mosquito management. They use Biomist 3+15, a permethrin-based adult mosquito control product registered for residential and recreational use.
Spraying occurs 0 to 2 times per year depending on nuisance levels, holidays, and West Nile Virus surveillance. The County covers the cost for a West Nile Virus surveillance trap that is collected and tested weekly.
Currently, the City does not have a larviciding program, though it may be considered in the future. Adult mosquito control applications are City-wide.
Residents can receive a text or email notification before mosquito spraying by registering for service notifications at the Clarke Portal.
What You Can Do to Help
Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water, which hatch in 7–10 days. Eliminating standing water weekly prevents breeding and reduces pesticide needs.
Checklist:
- Check for items that hold water — wheelbarrows, tires, hubcaps, toys, pool covers, tarps, pipes, boats, and trash bins.
- Remove standing water from ponds, ditches, gutters, flower pots, saucers, buckets, and cans.
- Change water weekly in birdbaths and wading pools; drill drainage holes in tire swings.
- Stock ornamental ponds and fountains with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Use insect repellent with DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow label directions.
- Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
What You Need to Know About Truck Spraying
Local mosquito control agencies track both nuisance and virus-carrying mosquitoes. Spraying larvicides and adulticides according to label instructions helps protect public health—especially when community virus activity is detected.
Truck spraying is used to:
- Control and reduce mosquitoes that spread viruses.
- Reduce the risk of human infection from mosquito bites.
What are mosquito control trucks spraying?
They may apply adulticide (kills flying adult mosquitoes) or larvicide (targets larvae in water). Both are used in small, controlled amounts and applied only where needed.
When does spraying occur?
Adulticiding: Conducted when mosquitoes are most active. Notifications are typically made via City websites, newspapers, social media, or door-to-door notices.
Larviciding: Conducted during daylight hours so operators can locate and treat standing water.
How often do communities spray?
Mosquito populations are monitored after each spray event. Additional treatments are performed if needed to maintain low mosquito counts.
Is the spray harmful to people, pets, or the environment?
No. When applied correctly by licensed professionals, truck spraying is safe for humans, pets, and wildlife.
What should I do during or after spraying?
Spraying is performed safely by certified vector control specialists. You may choose to stay indoors or close windows, though it’s not required. Pets may be brought inside for peace of mind. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any post-spray concerns.
Information on insecticides and health:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees insecticide registration. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) provides health and safety information online or via its toll-free line: (800) 858-7378.