FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW OFTEN AM I SPRAYED?

On average, all areas of Lafayette & Acadia Parishes are sprayed once every 10 days.  However, there are several overriding factors:  rainfall, high winds, and/or cold temperatures may cause cancellations of a scheduled treatment.  Areas with extraordinary numbers of mosquitoes or areas with disease potential are preferentially sprayed.

WHAT CHEMICALS ARE USED TO SPRAY MOSQUITOES?

We use the safest, most environmentally friendly adulticiding chemicals available.  We spray adult mosquitoes with 3rd generation pyrethroids.  We spray larvae and pupae (wrigglers and tumblers) with various larvicides that are selective and safe.  Bacteria, monomolecular films and insect growth regulators are utilized in larvicide treatments.  We also use small, predatory mosquito fish (Gambusia) for natural control.

DOES MCCI SPRAY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY?

Yes, we do, but only with the express permission of the property owner.  Mosquitoes breed, bite and rest everywhere.  An effective mosquito control program cannot be attained if spraying and other control efforts were limited to public property.

HOW MUCH DOES A SPRAYING COST ME?

Sprayings are paid for by your tax dollars, and Lafayette & Acadia Parish residents do not pay a fee for scheduled area treatments or requests for property inspections.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES?

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites in and around your house and yard.  Tires, bottles, tree holes, birdbaths, swimming pools, and flowerpot saucers collect water and breed mosquitoes.  Change water in your pets water bowls at least twice per week

DO MOSQUITOES BREED IN GRASS OR WEEDS?

No.  Mosquitoes rest in grass and weeds, and come out to find a blood meal.  Mosquitoes stay in water until they emerge as adults.

WHERE DO MOSQUITOES COME FROM?

All mosquitoes need water to reproduce.  Mosquito eggs hatch directly into water where they grow as larvae (wigglers or wrigglers) and pupae (tumblers) before they emerge as flying, biting adults.

WHAT ARE THE PEAK TIMES OF MOSQUITO ACTIVITY?

Most species of mosquitoes are most active in evenings (sunset) or mornings (sunrise).  However, certain mosquito species are active during daylight hours if disturbed.  Other species of mosquitoes are active nearly all night long.

WHO DO I CALL IN SOLVING A MOSQUITO PROBLEM?

Select which PARISH you reside in, and call.  See our "Contact Us" section of the website for info.

HOW LONG DO MOSQUITOES LIVE?

On average, mosquitoes live about 20-30 days.  In the coldness of winter, they may live twice as long.  Of course, through effective mosquito control, mosquitoes can be prevented or killed in the larval, pupae or adult stage thus preventing biting and disease transmission.

DO TREE HOLES, TIRES AND FLOWER POT SAUCERS BREED MOSQUITOES?

Yes.  There are several species of particularly bad mosquitoes that breed in these and other water containers around the house.  These mosquitoes are bad in terms of being able to transmit diseases and their biting habits.

IF I HAVE A POND OR STANDING WATER ON MY PROPERTY, DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES?

Yes. You should carefully inspect the edges of the pond.  If you see mosquito larvae (wigglers) or pupae (tumblers), then you should call Mosquito Control Contractors for assistance in correcting and preventing mosquito breeding.

ARE MOSQUITOES DANGEROUS?

YES. Mosquitoes account for more human deaths each year than any other animal.  In Louisiana, they transmit several potentially deadly viruses to humans and domestic animals.

WHAT DISEASES DO MOSQUITOES TRANSMIT?

Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases such as Encephalitis (sleeping sickness), Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Malaria, West Nile virus, and dog heartworms.

DO BOTH MALE AND FEMALE MOSQUITOES BITE?

Only the female mosquitoes bite.  The females need a blood meal to produce eggs.  Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and other plant liquids.

WHAT IS THE BEST MOSQUITO REPELLENT?

Any personal insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET applied to skin or clothing provides the best protection from biting mosquitoes.  Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also approved by the CDC as effective short-term repellents.

WHY DONT I SEE THE ULV SPRAY TRUCKS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?  DOES THIS MEAN WE'RE NOT GETTING TREATMENTS IN OUR AREA?

Mosquito control spray treatments should be applied when mosquitoes are most active, in early morning or evening.  During peak mosquito infestations, our ULV trucks may spray your neighborhood at a time when you are asleep and do not notice our passage.  During warmer times, trucks begin spraying as early as 5 a.m. or as late as 10 p.m.

What chemical does a ULV truck use?

Trucks use Permanone 30-30. The chemical's MSDS is Here