Science-Driven Treatments from the Sky

PCMCD uses helicopters and UAS/drones to conduct aerial mosquito control operations that are safe, strategic, and highly effective. These aerial applications allow us to treat large areas quickly and efficiently based on real-time surveillance and scientific data.

Each aerial mission is guided by mosquito population trends and environmental factors, including rainfall, tidal activity, water presence, direct larval sampling, and adult trap collections. Technicians inspect these areas for mosquito larvae or adult activity and use this data to determine which product to apply, what method to use, and when to conduct the treatment for maximum impact.

Why Aerial Treatments Are Necessary

Certain mosquito habitats, such as remote salt marshes or widespread residential areas, can’t be treated effectively with trucks or hand crews. Aerial treatments allow us to rapidly respond to rising mosquito populations, suppress larvae before they hatch, and reduce disease risks throughout the county.

We align treatment strategies with the mosquito’s life cycle:

• Larval treatments prevent emerging adult mosquitoes by targeting them in standing water.
• Adult treatments target flying, biting mosquitoes already active in the area.

Each method uses a specific product and application setup.
 

Adulticide Mosquito Applications Via Helicopter (After Sunset)

• When it’s used: When trap collections and field observations indicate high adult mosquito populations or increased risk of disease transmission.
• How it works: An ultra-low volume (ULV) adulticide is released via boom sprayers from the helicopter. This fine mist targets active, flying mosquitoes, not larvae in water.
• Flight timing: These missions occur after sunset, when mosquitoes are most active and pollinators are less likely to be affected.
• What you might see: A helicopter flying in grid-like patterns at dusk and into the evening hours, emitting a barely visible, fine mist.
•  

Science-Backed Decision Making

All aerial treatments are guided by field data collected by our field staff. We monitor:

• Environmental data - rain gauges, tide levels, temperature, and breeding site persistence
• Larval sampling to confirm the presence of developing mosquitoes
• Adult surveillance trap counts and disease surveillance data to assess adult mosquito populations and public health risk

Treatments are matched to the life stage of the mosquito to maximize effectiveness and minimize non-target impact. The selection of product and timing is critical and based entirely on scientific evidence.

To support fast-paced operations, helicopter hoppers are refilled using a bulk auto-loading system. This advanced equipment streamlines refueling, reduces human handling of insecticide, and ensures the helicopter can return to the air quickly with properly calibrated material, reducing downtime and increasing treatment coverage with every mission.