South Sioux City

The City of South Sioux City will again be conducting aerial spraying operations this summer in an effort to decrease the population of larval mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance.  In fact this year there may be a new threat that mosquitoes are possibly carrying a different virus.  Operations will take place in the early morning hours. This is only done periodically and is weather dependant.  This may occur periodically through-out the late spring, summer, and early fall, and up to 10-12 times. The material used is listed below.

Vectobac 12AS.  This larvicide is not toxic to bees, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. The chemical does not pose a risk to humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control.

The aerial spraying efforts are aimed at freshwater woodland, flood-pool, swamp, and open field-breeding mosquitoes and will have little effect on backyard container-breeding species.

Homeowners should follow the following tips to eliminate sources of standing water from their yards which could serve as mosquito breeding areas:       

• Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers in and around the property.
• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in your yard.
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets to prevent puddles of standing water.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them indoors when not in use.
• Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while you are on vacation.
• Fill in tree root holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
• Change the water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.

For questions, contact the South Sioux City Public Works Department; phone 402-494-8166.

The city of South Sioux City also conducts fogging for mosquitoes down the streets of the City.  This too is very weather dependent.  This process kills adult mosquitoes.  It is done during the early morning hours. 

Even though the city is aggressive with mosquito control, the adult insect may blow in from areas outside the city.  Even though this can and does happen, we continue to do what we can to continue to make South Sioux City a city with a high quality of life.  It is the Cardinal Rule!