Emerald Isle Public Works Department

Mosquitoes

Protecting Yourself

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, avoid working or playing outside during periods of increased mosquito activity (sunrise, sunset, and the early evening hours). If this is not possible, then wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts that provide a barrier to biting mosquitoes during outside activities. Make certain you protect small children playing outside from mosquitoes. This is best done with clothing, repellents, screens, nets, and continued observation of the children.

For exposed skin protection from biting mosquitoes, wear mosquito repellent containing the active ingredient DEET on exposed skin. Many commercial brands are available, 25-33% DEET repellent for adults is ideal; 10-20% DEET for children. Keep DEET out of the eyes, mouth, and nose. Read and follow ALL label instructions prior to application. DO NOT USE PRODUCTS CONTAINING DEET IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO DEET. There are other repellants available that do not contain DEET. These will offer similar protection.

For additional protection from mosquitoes, insect repellents can be applied on the outside of clothing to repel biting insects. Permethrin can be used on the outside of clothing. This aerosol formulation is applied to the outside of clothing before being worn. Do not spray the inside of clothing that will contact the skin. Again, read and follow the label instructions prior to application. Both DEET and Permethrin repellents are available at most hardware stores.

Mosquito control has one mission with a singular purpose, to prevent mosquito-borne diseases from affecting the citizens of Emerald Isle. At its most basic level, a good disease program has a strong mosquito surveillance and nuisance program that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of our Town.

Emerald Isle Public Works Staff conduct a seasonal surveillance and monitoring program throughout the town. Every type of breeding habitat is vigorously monitored for species type, time of emergence, and population size. This information is recorded and used to determine the best method for control of the population found. Monitoring and surveillance is vital to managing a mosquito population.  Emerald Isle has many different mosquito species. See the chart and follow the links on this page to learn more about the different species found here. The information on this chart comes from the Brunswick County Mosquito Control Program. They have one of the most effective Mosquito Control Programs in the state and geographically they are very similar to Emerald Isle and Carteret County. The control strategies that Emerald Isle uses include:

Public Education: Emerald Isle is working toward developing a Public Education program whereby members of our staff would meet with elementary schools students, community groups, and property owner's associations to provide educational materials to groups interested in learning about mosquitoes and mosquito control in and around Emerald Isle. We also have a brochure to educate citizens about the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). To contact our Mosquito Control staff, call 252-354-4450 or send us an email at adunn@emerladisle-nc.org.

Biological Control: The mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) which occurs naturally in some wetland areas will be collected and relocated to other mosquito breeding sites to consume mosquito larvae. Some wetland areas are not suitable for the Mosquito Fish due to duck weed and algae on the surface; fortunately, this type of habitat is not very conducive to mosquito growth either.

Physical Control: Drainage ditches are maintained for areas with standing water, thereby reducing the area suitable for mosquito breeding..

Adult Control: Clarke Mosquito Control products are used to manage adult mosquito populations. Ground spraying generally occurs in the late Summer depending on existing mosquito populations. Typical spray times are between 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM. This time frame was chosen for two major reasons; fewer people are walking and environmental conditions are better. As a precautionary measure, people and pets should go indoors when they see the mosquito sprayer coming. People with severe allergies should notify Emerald Isle Public Works at 252-354-4450. A spray schedule will be posted on our main page when it becomes necessary to spray.

Larval Control: Involves treating breeding areas with larvicides to manage mosquito populations before they can mature into adults. One product is currently in use by the town: VectoBac granules

Information about our larval mosquito control products can be viewed by visiting the following link to our vendor Clarke Mosquito Control.