Mosquito Spraying to Start

Hurray, the spraying is about to begin. I had a devil of a time with this map. First I couldn't get my computer to recognize the file from The Monitor's website (http://www.themonitor.com/). Then when I got the bright idea to print out a copy then scan it, the computer lost the color shaded area that showed the areas to be sprayed...so I outlined the areas on my map, did the whole exercise again, and voila! Map! I hope it's big enough so you can see it.

Notice the arrow pointing towards where Sandpipers approximately is. We are well within the to-be-sprayed areas, so fingers crossed, we will soon have relief.
Below is the article from the Monitor.
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EDINBURG -- State officials paved the way Saturday evening for aerial pesticide spraying in the region, offering hope for some relief from the post-hurricane mosquito infestation.
After resolving some wrangling with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials over the spraying of federal wildlife refuges and reserves, officials announced the operation would begin in Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties as early as tonight but no later than Monday night, if weather permits.

"Our residents will feel some relief soon," Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas said in a news release.

Officials said spraying is expected to take five to six days.
Aerial sprayers are to remain at least a half-mile from any federal or state refuge or reserve, according to the news release.

Chicago-based Clarke Mosquito Control will use the chemical Dibrom, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe when used properly for mosquito control.
When EPA guidelines are followed, the concentration released during aerial spraying should not harm humans. The chemical is extremely toxic to insects, including those considered beneficial such as honey bees, according to the EPA Web site.

Beekeepers in the region should take protective measures to prevent damage to their hives.
Excessive exposure to Dibrom by humans may result in over-stimulation of the nervous system and cause nausea, dizziness or confusion, according to the EPA.
The spraying is intended to reduce the proliferation of mosquitoes that is hampering recovery efforts and to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile infection after heavy rains and flooding in the Rio Grande Valley following Hurricane Dolly.

Specially equipped twin-turbine King Air planes will be used. The planes may be flying as low as 300 feet above ground level when spraying.

The public should continue to eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding areas around their homes and be sure that door, porch and window screens are in good condition. In addition, people should use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 when outdoors, following label directions.