Public Pest & Recycling Assistance
The Public Pest and Recycling Assistance Branch is here to help the citizens of Kentucky with environmental concerns by providing pro-active, voluntary programs, with no financial or regulatory cost to the participants.
Mosquito Control
Mosquito spraying is one of many public services provided by the division to help agriculture and homeowners meet today's environmental concerns. The Division operates 11 ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging machines, which allow for the treatment of populated areas without undue hazard to local residents and the environment. These ground units are used for control in parks, summer camps, and other outdoor areas where people congregate.
By the use of best management practices (BMPs), this division also develops pesticide environmental strategies and programs that are designed to protect the land and water of the Commonwealth from agriculture pesticide use. The division also designs and implements pro-active environmental programs and collectively works with farmers, homeowners, agribusiness, and governmental agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need mosquito control programs?
Without control programs the mosquito Population would flourish and cause potential health and comfort problems. From a health standpoint, mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, malaria, and the yellow fever and dengue viruses. Mosquito-borne diseases cause more than one million deaths each year around the world. Mosquito bites can also infect a pet with the deadly canine heart worm. We also like to enjoy the outdoors. Well planned municipal control programs begin by eliminating mosquito development in the early stage-the larval stage.
How can we control mosquito breeding?
By identifying their breeding sites and preventing the larvae from maturing to adults. Preventing larval development into adult mosquitoes can be accomplished through carefully planned and implemented programs while meeting sound environmental standards.
Why is it necessary to spray for adult mosquitoes in populated areas?
Because a well-planned, integrated program involves stopping mosquitoes in both the larval and adult stages. Mosquitoes can migrate up to 15 miles, which overrides local larval control efforts. This results in the need for adult mosquito control.
Are insecticides being used for controlling mosquitoes dangerous?
No. Industry and government testing procedures are so advanced and so demanding that it is virtually impossible to use a control product which could have an adverse effect upon people, animals or plant life. What's more, the insecticides being used today are not only highly effective, but also degrade rapidly.
Do mosquito control insecticides pose any threat to the environment?
Insecticides are the most rigorously tested of all chemicals. They meet stringent standards before they are registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. When properly used by trained professionals, insecticides do their job and biodegrade quickly.
What can I personally do to help control mosquito development?
Look for possible breeding sites in your yard and community. Advise your local officials of potential problems.
- Dispose of old tires, buckets, and any other containers that might hold water.
- Don't allow water to accumulate at the base of flower pots or pet dishes for more than a few days. Clean your dog dish regularly.
- Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water on patios or flat roofs.
- Check around air conditioner units and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days.
- Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week.
- Remove tall weeds and grass in the yard to eliminate the mosquitoes favorite daytime resting places.
Thistle Program Guidelines
- 10-acre demonstration plot with the chemical furnished (by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture).
- Additional 10 acres can be sprayed (farmer furnishes the chemical).
- 7 farmers maximum per county
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General Policy
- 1. The department will furnish one man who will assist in the operation of the sprayer and mixing of chemical.
- 2. Each farmer shall furnish source of water, tractor and driver.
- 3. All products used shall be labeled and the product label will be strictly followed.
Each demonstrations plot consists of 10 acres for the control of a particular noxious weed at no cost to the farmer, and an additional 10 acres is sprayed if the farmer supplies the material. Demonstration the proper timing, chemical and equipment necessary for the effective weed control is the desired result of these plots. We hope that the farmer will take the initiative to continue controlling these weeds on their own.
Multi Flora Rose
This program consists of 100 gallon of chemical mix demonstrations.. We can do an additional 100 gallons if the farmer provides the extra chemical. By this we mean that we mix 100 gallons of chemical and then spray this as far as it will allow us to spray. Each demonstration is different in that each farmers needs are different. Some may have fence rows completely covered with these roses while others may have them scattered throughout their pastures.
Black Flies
This program involves (5) Western Kentucky Counties along the Tradewater River. This particular Black fly is a non-human biting species called "CNEPHIA PERCUAM" or the Southern Swamp Water Buffalo Gnat. Problem began in the 1890's and were reduced/eliminated due to river pollution and returned 100 years later due to improving environment.
This division scouted 54 miles of river and associated creeks, determined treatment sites, handles all chemicals, and did any necessary follow up work to reduce further economic losses by the affected counties.
Bird Control Program
If you're having problems with birds roosting in unwanted areas, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture offers a service to help you.
KDA has propane noise-making cannons that can be made available. These cannons need to be used for at least four to five nights in a row to deter birds from roosting in unwanted areas.
When using these cannons, you must advise local law enforcement and should let your neighbors know. This is for both safety and practical reasons.
Farm Chemical Collections
This program deals only with pesticides. It does not include such items as motor oils, cleaners, paint, antifreeze or industrial chemicals.
There is NO COST to farmers to dispose of their old chemicals! Over pack supplies, transporting of old chemicals, and their disposal is paid for by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.Kentucky Department of Agriculture field representatives will come to your farm to package, load and transport the old chemicals from your farm. Once the old chemicals leave the farm they are then taken to an approved landfill or incinerator for proper disposal, thus reducing or eliminating the potential for pollution to the land and waters of Kentucky.
Due to the States Current Budgetary Restraints; it is possible that you may be put on a waiting list for Chemical Collection Disposal.Rinse and Return
The Rinse and Return Program is a voluntary, cooperative program sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Agri-Business Association of Kentucky (ABAK). Other partners include Farm Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service and the local conservation districts.
The Rinse and Return Program has collected 956,503 pounds of pesticide containers since its inception with more than 100 counties participating. It started out in 1991 with three participating counties and gathered 10,000 pounds of material in the first year. KDA field technicians believe the 1 million pound mark can be achieved this year.
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Pressure Rinsing
- Remove cover from container. Empty the pesticide into the spray tank and let the container drain for 30 seconds.
- Continue holding the container upside down over the sprayer tank opening so rinsate will run into the sprayer tank.
- Insert the pressure-rinse nozzle by puncturing through the bottom of the pesticide container.
- Rinse for length of time recommended by the manufacturer (generally 30 seconds or more).
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Triple Rinsing
- Remove cover from container. Empty the pesticide into the spray tank and let the container drain for 30 seconds.
- Fill the container 10% to 20% full of water or rinse solution.
- Secure the cover on the container.
- Swirl the container to rinse all inside surfaces.
- Remove cover from the container. Add the rinsate from the container to sprayer tank and let drain for 30 seconds or more.
- Repeat steps 2 through 5 two more times.
- Puncture container.
Mini-Bulk Recycling Program
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Procedure For Preparing Mini-Bulks For Recycling:
- Remove from tanks/barrels all plumbing, bung assemblies, pumps, meters, and ALL metal parts including the metal skids. (metal parts must be cut out). It is recommended that a large hole (at least 20 inches in diameter) be cut out at the top-center portion of the tank to allow for proper rinsing as well as providing a view for the KDA to inspect the tank for cleanliness.
- Tanks/Barrels must be cleaned by triple-rinsing or pressure-rinsing and allowed to dry. (Handle rinsate in an approved manner).
- Once the tanks are properly rinsed, one or more holes must be drilled in the bottom of the tank to eliminate the useful life of the tank.
- Tanks must be clean and dry before the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is to be contacted to visually inspect and tag the tanks.
- Contact the Division of Environmental Assistance at 1-800-205-6543 to schedule an appointment for the tanks to be inspected and tagged with an official KDA tag.
- Once the tanks are officially tagged they are then ready to be transported and stored at an approved regional short-term storage facility.
Acceptable Sizes: 15 gallon drums and larger
Best Management Practices (BMP's)
The protection of the nation's surface water and groundwater resources has become one of the primary environmental issues facing pesticide applicators.
Pesticides can reach surface water by running off the application site following a heavy rainfall and into neighboring streams and rivers or sink holes. Pesticides can also leach through the soil profile into the groundwater. Contamination resulting from either of these sources is classified as "non-point source" contamination. Water contamination can also be the result of a direct or specific source, such as a spills or back siphoning during filling of pesticide application equipment. This type of contamination is referred to as "point source" contamination.
It is the responsibility of all pesticide applicators to ensure that they are using every means available to prevent pesticides from contaminating Kentucky's surface water and groundwater resources. Pesticides applicators can greatly reduce the risk of either point or non-point source contamination from pesticides by utilizing Best Management Practices (BMP's). BMP's are effective, common sense practices that emphasize proper mixing, loading and application of pesticides and also include methods that should be used before, during and after application.
When these recommended Best Management Practices are followed the potential to cause an adverse effect on the environment will greatly be reduced.
- Know The Application Site - Scout the area to evaluate the extent of the pest problem in order to select the appropriate control method. Identify environmentally sensitive areas and learn how the soil types and the layout of each application site affect the movement of water, both through and across soil.
- Read And Follow Label Directions - Pesticide labels contain important information about applicator and environmental safety, including water quality protection. Always follow label directions.
- Match Application Rates To The Pest Problem - Every pesticide label specifies application rates. Carefully consider all aspects of the pest problem, such as the pest or pests, level of infestation, location, and environmental considerations (i.e., soil type, organic matter).
- Do Not Mix And Load Near Water - Pesticides can reach groundwater and surface water as a result of discharges or spills that occur during mixing and loading operations. Mixing and loading should be done as far as possible (at least 50 feet) from wells, lakes, streams, rivers and storm drains. When possible, mix and load the pesticides at the site of application. Applicators should also consider the use of a liquid-tight mixing and loading pad. Be sure all containers being transported are secured.
- Prevent Back siphoning - When filling any pesticide spray tank from a well or other water source, be sure the end of the hose stays above the spray solution in the tank. Back siphoning can occur when the end of the fill hose or pipe falls below the level of the solution in the tank and there is a drop in water pressure. Use an approved anti-back siphoning device or an air break in the water system.
- Calibrate Application Equipment Properly - Frequently check and maintain spray nozzles, hoses, gauges and tanks. Proper calibration is the key to applying accurate rates of pesticides. Improper calibration can result in too much or too little product applied, irregular distribution and poor pest control. Inaccurate tank volumes and pressure gauges or worn nozzles also may cause improper application. Inspect application equipment before every use.
- Delay Pesticide Applications If Heavy Rain Is Forecast - Pesticides are most susceptible to runoff from heavy rains during the first several hours after application.
- Avoid Over spray and Drift - Check the pesticide label for application precautions or restrictions during windy conditions. Wind speed, temperature and humidity all affect pesticide spray drift. Drift can be reduced by lowering boom heights and using nozzles that produce large droplet sizes.
- Store Pesticides In A Safe Place - Pesticides need to be stored in a secure place should be stored in their original containers with the labels clearly visible. Pesticides must be stored at least 50 feet from any well unless they are stored in secondary containment.
- Properly Dispose Of Pesticide Containers - Information about container disposal is on the pesticide label. Containers should be triple or pressured-rinsed thoroughly after use, punctured and disposed of in accordance with label directions or offered for recycling as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's program. Sprayers should be cleaned at the application site whenever possible and at a safe distance from wells, lakes, streams and storm drains. The urinate should be sprayed on a site that is listed on the pesticide label or used as makeup water in the next tank mix. Be sure label rates are not exceeded.
- Develop An Emergency Response Plan - Anyone who stores, handles or uses pesticides should have an emergency response plan in case an accident occurs
