ALACHUA – What began as discussion about a 10-cent increase in a mosquito control fee led into a debate over the chemicals used in the spraying process and its impact on Alachua’s honeybee population.The City of Alachua uses spray trucks to provide mosquito control services for residents. Since June, there has been an increase in the concentration of mosquitos in the area, which has led the City to spray for mosquitoes more often.
The monthly mosquito control fee has been $1 a month since 1989, but will soon be increased to $1.10 a month to offset additional costs. Mike New, Alachua’s public service director, said the City provides mosquito control without a full-time staff and has been spraying for mosquitos every night for a number of weeks.
“More so than being a nuisance, mosquitos are known carriers of blood-borne pathogens,” New said.
The United States is currently experiencing its largest West Nile virus outbreak ever, according to the Center for Disease Control. There have been 13 West Nile cases reported in Florida this year, and mosquitoes are transmitters of the West Nile virus.
Some area residents voiced concerns at Monday’s commission meeting about the potential side effects of the permethrin product used to kill mosquitoes.
City commissioner Gary Hardacre stated that permethrin has been known to kill honeybees. And multiple studies have shown that permethrin is highly toxic to honeybees, which are essential for the pollination of agricultural crops.
While the City of Alachua sprays regularly, Alachua County does not spray countywide.
“Alachua County has made the decision to let nature run its course,” Alachua County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton said.
Sexton said spraying is not countywide for health reasons and to protect organic farms and beneficial insects.
Hardacre said he would be willing to get a few mosquito bites if it led to a honeybee being saved.
“This one little unique insect has such a big part of our lives,” Hardacre said.
Hardacre said the honeybee is responsible for pollinating foods, and should be protected.
“It’s just a fantastic little insect,” he said.
Hardacre said the City will add information to its Web site to inform residents about the chemicals used and when spraying occurs.
Alachua resident Tamara Robbins expressed worry that the use of permethrin might harm an already diminishing bee population.
“Chemical warfare is not the answer. Kids are riding their bikes, people are out on walks, animals are out,” Robbins said. “My throat starts burning when that truck is out.”
Resident Jeannette Hinsdale echoed Robbins’ concerns, and said that permethrin is an irritant to the eyes, nose and lungs. Hinsdale said the City should increase public awareness about mosquito prevention instead of using pesticides.
“I think the decline of bees will be more detrimental to our health than West Nile will ever be,” Hinsdale said.
New said mosquito spraying is done after dusk to avoid killing honeybees because the honeybees are usually back in their hives and protected from the chemicals by that time.
Email astewart@alachuatoday.com
The City of Alachua uses spray trucks to provide mosquito control services for residents. Since June, there has been an increase in the concentration of mosquitos in the area, which has led the City to spray for mosquitoes more often.
The monthly mosquito control fee has been $1 a month since 1989, but will soon be increased to $1.10 a month to offset additional costs. Mike New, Alachua’s public service director, said the City provides mosquito control without a full-time staff and has been spraying for mosquitos every night for a number of weeks.
“More so than being a nuisance, mosquitos are known carriers of blood-borne pathogens,” New said.
The United States is currently experiencing its largest West Nile virus outbreak ever, according to the Center for Disease Control. There have been 13 West Nile cases reported in Florida this year, and mosquitoes are transmitters of the West Nile virus.
Some area residents voiced concerns at Monday’s commission meeting about the potential side effects of the permethrin product used to kill mosquitoes.
City commissioner Gary Hardacre stated that permethrin has been known to kill honeybees. And multiple studies have shown that permethrin is highly toxic to honeybees, which are essential for the pollination of agricultural crops.
While the City of Alachua sprays regularly, Alachua County does not spray countywide.
“Alachua County has made the decision to let nature run its course,” Alachua County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton said.
Sexton said spraying is not countywide for health reasons and to protect organic farms and beneficial insects.
Hardacre said he would be willing to get a few mosquito bites if it led to a honeybee being saved.
“This one little unique insect has such a big part of our lives,” Hardacre said.
Hardacre said the honeybee is responsible for pollinating foods, and should be protected.
“It’s just a fantastic little insect,” he said.
Hardacre said the City will add information to its Web site to inform residents about the chemicals used and when spraying occurs.
Alachua resident Tamara Robbins expressed worry that the use of permethrin might harm an already diminishing bee population.
“Chemical warfare is not the answer. Kids are riding their bikes, people are out on walks, animals are out,” Robbins said. “My throat starts burning when that truck is out.”
Resident Jeannette Hinsdale echoed Robbins’ concerns, and said that permethrin is an irritant to the eyes, nose and lungs. Hinsdale said the City should increase public awareness about mosquito prevention instead of using pesticides.
“I think the decline of bees will be more detrimental to our health than West Nile will ever be,” Hinsdale said.
New said mosquito spraying is done after dusk to avoid killing honeybees because the honeybees are usually back in their hives and protected from the chemicals by that time.
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