Counties Expand Spraying in Florida Texas as Study Flags Insect Harm

A Hungarian field study found that truck-mounted ultra-low-volume mosquito spraying can reduce target mosquitoes but also harms beneficial, non-target flying insects, highlighting a trade-off between pest control and insect conservation. In the United States, local agencies are stepping up spraying in response to mosquito activity: Palm Beach County scheduled aerial treatment over about 265,000 acres west of Military Trail, while Broward County announced expanded daytime and overnight treatments in several western communities amid unusually high mosquito numbers. Harlingen, Texas, planned evening spraying from Friday through Monday and advised residents to bring pets indoors, close windows and doors, and cover or remove outdoor items. Victoria County also resumed spraying after continued rainfall, with treatments scheduled across several zones.