Thinking About Spraying For Skeeters?

Looking for licensed mosquito spraying companies in Michigan? MDARD has a list available online

Lansing– As part of its response to the Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has posted a list of pesticide applicator businesses that are licensed to spray for mosquitoes in Michigan at https://www.michigan.gov/mosquitocontrolbusiness.

“Consumers should do their homework before they sign a contract. Mosquito control companies have to be licensed and all their applicators must pass MDARD’s mosquito control certification exam,” said Jeffrey Zimmer, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division’s Acting Director. “There are a variety of pesticides available, and they don’t all work the same way. Being certified means knowing the different species of mosquitoes, which pesticides are most effective, and when and how to spray them safely.”

MDARD recently launched a one-stop portal for Michiganders to identify certified mosquito control applicators in their area. The website also gives consumers some insight on what to look for when hiring a mosquito control company.

Consumers should be aware that pest control businesses are legally required to obtain their consent before making a pesticide application and must provide the following information:

• The name of the applicator that performed the service.
• The time and date the application was made.
• A description of the target pest to be controlled.
• A list of pesticides that were applied, including the common name of the active ingredient(s).
• A list of precautionary warnings or reentry restrictions that may appear on the label of the pesticide that was applied.
• Specific information about the risks and benefits of pesticides.

In addition, when requested by a customer, pest control businesses must provide labels and/or safety data sheets of the pesticides that were applied.

MDARD annually inspects and verifies that companies are licensed, and applicators are certified, to ensure continued compliance with state and federal law. The department investigates allegations of misuse or off-target drift. Complaints can be submitted by calling the MDARD Customer Service Center at 800-292-3939, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or through the department’s online form.
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For more information on MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/MDARD.