Bay County Building
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5941

Mosquito Control Aerial Treatment Announcement

It is once again time for Bay County Mosquito Control's aerial treatment program for control of mosquito larvae. Weather permitting, the treatment will take place April 15-25 and take place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. each day. 
Spring mosquitoes that develop in woodland depressions create both nuisance and disease problems. Many species are vectors of Jamestown Canyon virus, LaCrosse encephalitis, and dog heart worm and at least one species, Aedes canadensis, has tested positive for West Nile Virus in the past. Left uncontrolled, the mosquitoes would emerge as biting adults by mid-May and many would survive through early August. 

Bay County Mosquito Control will utilize three airplanes operating out of James Clements Airport to apply a naturally-occurring soil bacterium control material, known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to woodlots throughout the county. Bti specifically targets mosquito larvae, causing quick mortality while posing little or no harm to wildlife, fish, beneficial insects, vegetation, pets and humans. Since Bti is environmentally compatible, it's ideal for use in cities, suburbs, recreational areas and environmentally-sensitive locations.  The granular Bti will be applied at a dosage rate of three pounds per acre to 53,000 acres of seasonally flooded woodlots throughout Bay County.

Summer control of mosquito larvae in catch basins, ditches, containers, tires, and flooded field habitats as well as spraying for adult mosquitoes will occur from mid-May through September. Residents who wish not to participate in the treatment may call the office at (989) 894-4555.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Rebecca Brandt, Bay County Mosquito Control Manager, at (989) 894-4555.