Brandon Battles Mosquito Mayhem: Fogging Begins

Relief is on the horizon for Brandon residents plagued by an overwhelming mosquito population. City council has given the go-ahead for fogging operations to commence this week, a decision made despite current mosquito trap counts not reaching the levels typically required by city bylaws. The limited supply of the chemical DeltaGard 20EW means the city can only complete two rounds of spraying, a fact acknowledged by council members who deemed the situation severe enough to proceed.

The "perfect storm" of excessive floodwater and high temperatures has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. This is the first time Brandon has undertaken fogging since 2022. The operation is scheduled to begin after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting, with specific conditions like rain, low temperatures, or high winds potentially causing delays. Six trucks will be utilized to spray the chemical across the city over six to seven hours, with residents advised to stay indoors and close windows during the process.

Beyond fogging, the city has been proactive with a larvicide program initiated in May, targeting standing water. However, this year's extensive flooding has significantly increased the workload for the five staff members involved in this initiative. Residents have voiced strong support for the fogging, describing the mosquito presence as "terrible" and making outdoor enjoyment difficult. They eagerly anticipate the fogging's expected effectiveness within a day, hoping to salvage the remainder of their summer.