• Spraying is not done on a random or regular schedule; it is based on inspection data. Spray assignments are normally set by 2:30pm each day.
• There are 90 designated truck spray zones in the parish, with each taking between 2.5-4 hours for treatment. Most aerial application zones are custom drawn and not preset.
• Spraying begins shortly before dark and proceeds into the evening hours, often times not ending until well after midnight.
• Weather conditions that shut-down spray operations include: rain, dense fog, high winds or cool temperatures.
• There are 12 trucks and 2 airplanes permanently rigged for mosquito spraying.
• All insecticides utilized are EPA approved for use in this manner. Information on these insecticides can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/pesticides4mosquitos.htm
• Each spray unit is equipped with GPS tracking and flow control monitoring to assist in the safe and efficient application of materials.
• The GPS tracking monitors records all activity of the nights work including path of vehicle, speed at any given time, stops and spray on/off.
• Truck flow control monitoring allows for a range in speed of application from 7mph to 17mph. Roads with speed limits below the minimum range cannot be sprayed.
• The method of application is Ultra Low Volume (ULV), which generally means an application rate of ounces per acre instead of pounds per acre.
• All application equipment is regularly calibrated to assure the proper flow rate and droplet size at the time of application.
• Operators are given designated spray assignments for the evening and must not deviate from these areas unless directed to do so by their supervisor.
• Because roads divide spray zones, residents may see a spray truck working a block or two from their residence yet not spray their road.
• The spray engines on the trucks remain running the entire time a spray zone is being traveled. However, only when the top lights are blinking is the spray switch activated.

Policy For Private Roads / Drives

• A home or dwelling must be 300 feet off the road. This corresponds to the effective drift of the insecticides used in the spray trucks.
• The road/drive must have a hard surface and be in very good condition. Gravel, shell, asphalt or paved meet this criteria. Dirt or grass surfaces are not acceptable.
• The end of the road/drive must have enough room for the drivers to safely turn around without going off the hard surface.
• Roads/drives with speed bumps create a problem for drivers to maintain a constant speed. If the speed bumps are too close together, traveling the necessary speed is impossible.
• Posted speed limits must be 10mph or greater.
• Drivers are instructed not to open or unlock gates. Therefore roads with closed gates will not be considered.