MRCU dropping mozzie pellets on the Sister Islands

(CNS): People on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman can expect the Mosquito Research and Control Unit spray plane to drop larvicide pellets over some areas of the two islands starting today, weather permitting. While the mosquito population on the Sister Islands is usually controlled from the ground using spray trucks, MRCU Director Dr Bill Petrie said that staff members expect to treat some 400 acres of prime mosquito breeding areas within the proximity of residences and resorts and hotels in Little Cayman and on the south coast of Cayman Brac.“Depending upon the weather, the operation will commence on Tuesday, 30 November with two or three flights from Grand Cayman in the MRCU spray plane," Dr Petrie said.

‘Natular’ pellets dropped from the aircraft will release a mosquito-specific larvicide to kill emerging insects before they can become a biting nuisance,” he added.

Noting that the effects of the treatment will be residual for six weeks or more, he explained that results will be monitored with light traps that capture flying adult mosquitoes inside the treated areas. “We hope that the larvicide pellets will significantly reduce nuisance biting on both islands,” the MRCU Director concluded.

Pellets to control the mosquitoes were also dropped on the Sister Islands following Hurricane Paloma.