The City of Seminole is doing its part to combat a pesky problem – mosquitoes.

City officials announced earlier this week that spraying for mosquitoes began Tuesday and is expected to continue through today, Aug. 26.

“It is important for people to know they should yield the right of way to the truck,” said Sharon Emmitt, Community Development Director. “The truck will be traveling approximately 10 miles per hour, and other drivers should not follow directly behind it, nor should people approach the truck in any other way.”

The city uses Aqualuer, a Permethrin-based chemical used by public health officials and other trained personnel, for mosquito abatement. Unlike other sprays that are diluted with oil, Aqualuer is a waterbased compound and contains ether. The chemical is harmful to flies and is often used in residential areas, campgrounds, parks, woodlands, golf courses, playgrounds and waste areas where mosquitoes and flies are known to live. In addition, Aqualuer is known to kill horseflies and gnats.

This chemical also kills bees, and Emmitt said citizens who keep bees should keep them protected on the night the truck is in their area. People who come in direct contact with the product could experience a slight eye and skin irritation, she said. A warning sheet issued with the chemical indicates that any person who gets it on their skin should remove any contaminated clothing and rinse with water.

Only two to three evenings are required to cover the entire city. Spraying is subject to weather conditions, so if it’s raining, or if the wind speeds are in excess of 10 miles per hour, the schedule will adjusted accordingly.

Anyone with questions should contact Emmitt in the Community Development Office at 382-4330, ext. 114.