In order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases from affecting the citizens of Leland, Public Works employees monitor mosquito activity and respond to service calls from citizens related to mosquitoes. This program is in effect May 1-November 1.
Use the links below to report a mosquito issue in your area and request adulticide spray, request notification of spray, or request not to be sprayed. Once a report of a mosquito issue is received, a staff member will investigate the report to determine if the area meets the threshold for spray (a landing count of seven per minute). If the area meets the threshold, a truck will be routed to the area to begin spray operations. Spraying will then continue until it appears the outbreak is contained. The frequency of spraying depends on the overall number of areas that need spraying, the available manpower, and the severity of the outbreak.
The Town’s Mosquito Control Program operates under the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. All application of pesticides must comply with Federal Clean Water Management Act and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
Information regarding the mosquito control steps the Town is taking can be found below.
The mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) are relocated to mosquito breeding sites to consume mosquito larvae.
Roadside drainage ditches on Town-owned rights-of-way are maintained by removing standing water, thereby reducing the area suitable for mosquito breeding.
Clarke Mosquito Control products are used to manage adult mosquito populations. Ground spraying generally occurs between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. As a precautionary measure, people and pets should go indoors when they see the mosquito sprayer coming. People with severe allergies should notify Public Works. Ground spraying is conducted on an as-needed basis. This is determined by investigations conducted by Public Works staff in response to service calls. If you have an outdoor fish pond or keep bees, contact the Public Works Department. To request a Mosquito Service Investigation please call (910) 332-4652.
For larval control, the Town of Leland uses BTI Briquets that are based on the naturally occurring bactirum Bacillus thuringiensis, var. israelensis, Bti. It is considered to be one of the most environmentally sensitive mosquito and blackfly larvicides used in mosquito control. It contains a sustained release formulation offering activity against mosquito larvae for 30 days or more. The floating quality of the briquet provides for release of the active ingredient at the water's surface where it affects surface feeding larvae. As the briquet sinks slowly through the water column, it is active on bottom feeding larvae as well.
When Public Works staff investigates a service call, attempts are made to educate citizens on the basics of mosquito control and what actions they can take to reduce breeding areas. Our staff is willing to visit schools, community groups, and property owner’s associations meetings to provide educational materials to groups interested in learning about mosquitoes and mosquito control in Leland. We also have a brochure to educate citizens about the Asian tiger mosquito. To schedule a workshop, please call (910) 332-4652.