The mosquito population is incredibly healthy this year and that is bad news for people who want to be outdoors pretty much any time of day, but especially dusk and nighttime. Spraying yards and public spaces with pesticides is becoming popular. With all consumer trends, scam warnings are quick to be issued once criminals see an opportunity.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDARD, has issued a warning and published an official list of approved companies that are licensed, insured, and authorized to apply pesticides registered by MDARD.
A legitimate mosquito control company will provide the name of the applicator that performed the service, the time and date of the application, a description of the target pest to be controlled, a list of pesticides applied, any warnings or restrictions, and detailed information about the risks and benefits.
Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager said, “Licensed mosquito control companies and their certified applicators have demonstrated they have the knowledge to use pesticides safely and effectively. Utilizing properly licensed and certified applicators protects public health while these professionals work to keep mosquitoes in check around your home.”
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-2390_98204_107610—,00.html
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
