Ultra-Low Volume Spray Machine
What are "ULV" Sprays?
Mosquito adulticides at CMMCP are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets that stay aloft and kill flying mosquitoes on contact. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 3 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risks to people and the environment. This is opposed to Low Volume (LV) sprays, also known as barrier sprays, which use dilute solutions at greater amounts usually applied to foliage, foundations or other areas the pest to be controlled may come in contact with after the application. LV sprays are often residual sprays necessary to control the pest long after the application is made.
We conduct an early evening spray program which runs from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day. All spraying is done after sunset and/or before sunrise for the protection of pollinators and other beneficial insects. During this time the mosquito is actively seeking a blood meal, and spraying at this time allows us to control the adult mosquito with a minimal risk of exposure to the public. Weather and mosquito populations determine the actual beginning and end of our spray program.
The spray machines are electric and mounted on the back of pickup trucks, and the applicator drives the vehicle in the area to be sprayed. The spray machines are computer controlled and droplet size testing is done each year to insure the proper droplet size according to label specifications. The vehicle operator controls the spray from inside the vehicle, without needing to shut down the spray machine. These applications are based on request only or after confirmation of mosquito-borne viruses, and the applicators confirms the absence or presence of a mosquito problem by conducting a landing count or using other surveillance methods.
NEW IN 2018: The sprayers have been modified to cover a larger area and are now tracked by a GIS program. We are not going off pavement or hard packed surfaces due to personal property and liability issues.
NEW in 2019/2020: The spray trucks have been modified with ultrasonic weather stations to alert the technicians to current weather conditions. Click the link for more information.
Products:
Resources:
- State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB)
- Adult Mosquito Control Pesticide Label Compliance Policy Pertaining to the Protection of Bees
