Pinellas County Mosquito Control to Conduct Aerial Larvae Treatments Over St. Petersburg and Clearwater
Pinellas County Mosquito Control is conducting aerial liquid treatments targeting mosquito larvae on Thursday in parts of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The treatments, using the bacterium Bti, will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from low-flying helicopters.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, November 5, 2026 — Pinellas County Mosquito Control has announced plans for aerial liquid treatments aimed at mosquito larvae. The operation is scheduled to take place on Thursday within specified areas of St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
The treatments will utilize a biological agent known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that is effective against mosquito larvae but considered safe for humans, pets, and wildlife. This approach targets immature mosquitoes before they can develop into biting adults.
The aerial application is set to occur between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The treatments will be conducted from low-flying helicopters, a method chosen for its efficiency in covering larger, often difficult-to-access areas. The specific sections within St. Petersburg and Clearwater targeted for treatment were not detailed in the announcement.
Residents in the affected areas may observe helicopters flying at low altitudes during the scheduled treatment window. Pinellas County Mosquito Control employs integrated pest management strategies, including aerial larviciding, to help manage mosquito populations and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The bacterium Bti works by producing toxins that specifically affect the digestive systems of mosquito larvae when ingested. Once the larvae consume the Bti, they stop feeding and die within a short period. This targeted method is a key component of public health efforts to control mosquito-borne illnesses.
Story summarized from the original created by Brian Pellerin on pinellas.gov, see more information here.
