MRCU to Target Biting Mosquitoes from Tuesday

Mosquito Research & Control Unit (MRCU) will be conducting aerial operations over mosquito-breeding swamp areas on Grand Cayman, and The Sister Islands, from Tuesday 19th May. 

These operations will involve low-level flights during the mornings and late afternoon. The operation will start in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and continue until completion on Grand Cayman. Weather permitting; the full application should be complete within ten days.

The distinctive red and white MRCU aircraft will be applying the small pellets specifically designed to target mosquito larvae developing in aquatic habitats; this means preventing the occurrence of biting mosquitoes. 

Once the rains begin, the pellets are activated and will provide control for up to two months.  Low-level flights over specific areas are necessary to ensure that correct application and successful control of mosquitoes is achieved.

This is the first island-wide treatment this year on Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. It will assist in providing control through the initial part of the wet season. Some 12,000 acres of swamp are targeted in this operation in Grand Cayman, 320 acres in Cayman Brac and 475 acres in Little Cayman. 

Residents may have noticed elevated numbers of mosquito biting across the islands. Early rainfall and higher tide levels than normal have caused this increase. The timely treatment of the swamp areas will help to alleviate this situation.

Further information and daily schedules can be found on the Mosquito Research & Control Unit’s Facebook page.

Members of the public should feel free to call MRCU with any enquiries on 949-2557.

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IMAGE: nymag.com