Protecting bees: Guidelines amid aerial spraying for mosquitoes

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Earlier this week, Brunswick County Commissioners voted to fund aerial spraying to eliminate mosquitoes. However, local beekeepers express concerns about the potential harm to their bees.

Aerial spraying is set to begin this Friday and will continue through October 18.

Amy Mead, the Brunswick County Extension Director, reassures residents. “Spraying will happen at night to ensure people, pets, or insects are not outside when areas are being sprayed.” She explains that the team will use a fine mist, which poses no harm unless it directly contacts an insect.

While relocating bee hives may not be realistic, Mead offers practical advice for beekeepers. “You can take a precaution by putting a wet sheet or wet cloth down. It’s a very fine mist, and it should land on that sheet. In the morning, you can take that sheet off. These insecticides are safe for people and animals, and they break down very quickly in the environment, so within a day or two, they should be broken down and gone from the environment.”

Despite the inconvenience of aerial spraying, Mead emphasizes its importance. “It is important to help combat the spread of disease from mosquitoes.”

For any questions about mosquito aerial spraying, please contact the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office.