What chemicals do you spray? Are they harmful to me or my pets?

In 2023, the Georgetown County Mosquito Control Division switched from chemical pesticides in its spray trucks to more environmentally friendly methods. Ingredients are water, garlic oil, citronella oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, geraniol, rosemary oil, sodium lauryl sulphate and ethyl lactate. This product is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Minimum Risk Pesticides list. It is not harmful to people, birds, pets or other insects.

View the Safety Data Sheet

The county conducts aerial spraying only in urgent circumstances, such as after hurricanes when mosquito populations surge countywide. Naled is used in aerial spraying and, once again, is not harmful to humans, pets, birds and large beneficial insects from a single application, due to the tiny droplet size. It also dissipates within a day, reducing any lingering effects. This product is highly regulated by the EPA and only used in small concentrations. (For example: only 3/4 of an ounce of Naled is used to spray one acre).

The Mosquito Control staff is highly sensitive to the effects of these chemicals on the environment. Most of the spraying is conducted in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are active but other insects are not. The staff is dedicated to protecting the environment and are constantly looking for alternative methods of controlling mosquitoes without harming humans, pets, birds and beneficial insects.

Show All Answers

1. What can I do to protect myself from biting mosquitoes?
2. What can I do to reduce the mosquito population in the areas around my home?
3. What actions should I take if I see a dead bird?
4. How can I request the spraying of an area for mosquitoes?
5. How does the county determine the areas to spray?
6. Does Georgetown County use airplanes to spray for mosquitoes?
7. What chemicals do you spray? Are they harmful to me or my pets?