We have kept track of the most often asked questions over the past few years, here are the top ten.

1. Why don't you spray my neighborhood more often?

Answer:  CMC's programs are targeted primarily toward control of larval mosquitoes while they are still in the water. Ultra Low Volume Fogging against adult mosquitoes is done only on a limited targeted basis, based on surveillance of populations via a network of traps.  These traps tell us of high populations levels (over 100 females per night) in certain areas and allow CMC to target applications to these problem "hot-spot" areas. Please see section on Adult Mosquito Monitoring on the Mosquito Control Page for more information.

 2. What do you spray with?

Answer:  Ultra Low Volume Fogging for adult mosquitoes is normally done with AquaReslin a unique water-based pyrethroid insecticide, permethrin.  Permethrin is in a group of insecticides which are man-made versions of a natural insecticide derived from a type of chrysanthemum.  AquaReslin is one of the "least-toxic" products registered with the US EPA for adult mosquito fogging.  Please see section on Adult Mosquito Control on the Mosquito Control Page for more information.

3. Can I request to have my property excluded from spraying?

Answer:  Yes!  CMC maintains a database of community residents who wish to have their property excluded from ULV fogging operations.  There are three options, 1. Property Shutoff, 2. Property Shutoff with Call Notification of Spraying, or 3. Call Notification of Spraying Only.  Please call CMC at 303-558-8730 or your Local Office to make this request.  Also please see Spray Schedule page for more information.

 4. What effect does spraying have on other "beneficial" insects, pets, humans? 

Answer:  Extensive studies have shown little or no effect on beneficial insects from ULV fogging for adult mosquitoes.  By limiting ULV applications to only periods of high annoyance or threat of disease, utilizing ULV technology (applications at less than 1.0 ounce per acre, in microscopic sized droplets of a low toxicity product), and timing applications during the evening when most other non-target insects are not active we can preclude non-target effects.  As far as pets and humans are concerned, ULV technology again allows us to apply a very small amount of a very low toxicity product over a large area.  These products also breakdown very rapidly in the environment and do not bio-accumulate.  For more information please visit our Pesticides Page.

5. What can I do to control mosquitoes around my yard?

Answer:  There is a lot you can do!  Please visit our Do-It-Yourself Tips Page for more information.

 6. Why don't you use birds and bats and other biological controls instead of chemicals?

Answer:  As part of our Integrated Mosquito Management Program we do primarily use biological larval control agents such as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis, var. israeliensis) and Bs (Bacillus sphaericus) and mosquitofish.  Unfortunately there are no real biological control alternatives to use on a large-scale against adult mosquitoes.  Birds and bats may eat some mosquitoes but not enough to make a difference.  Please see our section on bats on the Myths and Misconceptions Page for more information

 7. How do you decide when and where to spray?

Answer:  ULV (ultra low volume) fogging for adult mosquitoes is based on surveillance data gathered from a network of traps that monitor adult mosquito population levels.  Calls from residents concerning mosquito annoyance problems also help us to pinpoint "hot-spot" areas. Please visit the Adult Mosquito Monitoring section on the Mosquito Control Page for more.

8. Are there any non-chemical alternatives that work against mosquitoes?

Answer:  As discussed above, there are several biological alternatives for larval mosquito control, but no alternatives for controlling adult mosquitoes.  Many natural products such as garlic oil have been studied as natural repellents, but show only limited success.

 9. What repellents work the best?

Answer:  Any effective repellent should contain 10%-35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection.  Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.  Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.

10. I've heard about Integrated Pest Management, why don't you use IPM on mosquitoes?  

Answer:  CMC does use a version of IPM called IMM or Integrated Mosquito Management.  All of CMC's programs are targeted toward larval mosquito control utilizing only biological controls and "least-toxic" products first, and always based on surveillance.  Adult mosquito control is the last resort and is limited and targeted to small areas with severe annoyance problems again designated by field surveillance.  For more information please visit the Integrated Mosquito Management Section on the Mosquito Control Page.