JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. – The 757th Airlift Squadron assigned to Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, will conduct an aerial mosquito spray over Langley Air Force Base, Craney Island and the Churchland section of Portsmouth overnight Wednesday, 26 July 2023. In the event of weather or mechanical delays, the mission will take place on Thursday, 27 July 2023
A U.S. Air Force C-130 will be dispersing the spray after sunset to minimize impact to non-target insects such as bees, and to decrease exposure to personnel within the application area.
These specially modified C-130s use global positioning and other accurate navigation systems to make sure that the spaying occurs only over designated areas. In addition, a technician monitors operations of the spray rate and flow, under direction of a 757th AS entomologist, to ensure accurate delivery.
The unit will apply Trumpet EC at a rate of less than 1 ounce per acre. The agent is disbursed out of spray bars under each wing in 30-micron droplets. The aircraft will make multiple spray passes at an altitude of 300 feet. Although no insecticide applications will occur outside the target areas of Langley Air Force Base and Craney Island/Churchland, the Pest Management department recommends that beekeepers adjacent to these areas cover their hives in the evening to help prevent any loss of bees.
The insecticide being used is safe for humans and pets, but those with allergies or respiratory concerns should remain indoors during aerial spraying operations. It is also recommended that small children remain indoors as their respiratory systems are not fully developed and are more susceptible to irritation.
The visiting C-130 aircrews will conduct the mission in accordance with the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Integrated Pest Management Plan and Air Force Manual 32-1053, Integrated Pest Management Program.