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