Mosquito Control

Your City Streets Crews at Work For You!

The City Streets Division is working to minimize the mosquito population in Jacksonville. Crews are busy all year round with preparation, providing education, and working the mosquito spraying zones to help accomplish this goal. You can also help minimize places that mosquitoes breed and grow.

Easy Steps You Can Take to Prevent Mosquito Breeding on Your Property

Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow. When they find the right conditions, it takes about one week for a mosquito to grow from egg to adult. In Jacksonville's humid summer climate, it doesn't take much water or time for mosquitoes to encroach on your property. Many places or objects may be a favorable breeding area. Here are a few ways to eliminate these areas:

Throw away old bottles and cans.
Clean overgrown ponds and stock with fish
Empty water from flowerpot dishes
Screen or cover rain barrels
Change water in birdbaths weekly
Clean leaf-clogged gutters
Repair leaky faucets
Throw away or destroy used tires
Fill tree holes

Plants that may help to repel mosquitoes:

Lemon Balm, Catnip, Basil, Lavender, Peppermint, Citrosum, Sage and Rosemary

How to Control the Asian Tiger Mosquito

The tiger mosquito doesn't fly far from its breeding place. If it is a problem, water-filled containers must be nearby. The best way to control this mosquito around homes and businesses is to get rid of containers that can hold water. Some suggestions, include:

Recycle or throw away trash and unwanted items.
Cover, turn upside down, store indoors, or in some other way prevent useful items from filling with water.
Clean leaf-clogged gutters so they don’t hold water.
Change water weekly in outdoor containers like pet bowls, flowerpot dishes, or bird baths so that mosquito larvae won’t have time to become adults.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does the City spray for mosquitoes?

June through October is the normal season for Mosquito spraying in Jacksonville. Additional spraying occurs as needed such as after extreme weather events like hurricanes which generate higher levels of humidity and flooded areas for mosquitoes to breed.

When will my area be sprayed?

The City treats for mosquitos throughout the year, with concertation in the peak summer months. The City is broken up into 9 separate zones that get sprayed during these times. Frequency of spray intervals are determined by quantities captured during surveillance by our mosquito control team members. Due to unpredictable summer weather here in Eastern North Carolina, spraying stops during rain or winds over 10 mph. Once conditions are favorable, zone spraying will continue. If you having any questions concerning when will my area be sprayed, please contact the Streets Division for an update. 910-938-5333.

How do you know where to spray?

Jacksonville Streets, Mosquito Control Program inspects all areas before spraying. Inspections include not only personal property, but surrounding areas, ditches and other low lying areas for possible breeding sites.

Does the City spray for mosquitoes at churches, schools or private residences?

The City of Jacksonville does not spray private property, but does spray on City streets, within City limits. Spraying on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. The City will however, provide an at home consultation to provide information on what the resident can do to help reduce population spread through the Tip & Toss program. The City does not spray on private property, that is the responsibility of the owner

Do you spray for any bugs besides fire ants and mosquitoes (i.e. bees, termites, etc.)?

The City of Jacksonville Streets Mosquito Control only sprays for mosquitoes.

Can I spray for bugs myself?

If you choose to spray for bugs, you must contact the City of Jacksonville Engineering Division at 910-938-5249 and apply for a permit and necessary requirements.

Are you a beekeeper?

Beekeepers: Know when your area is being sprayed. Please call the street department at 910 938-5333 for important information on how to keep your bees safe during mosquito spray season. You can also refer to the City's spray applications document for additional information.

Resources

Questions! Give us a call at 938-5333