Trucks, planes with pesticide target mosquitoes in South Beach

1.5-square-mile infection zone targeted early Tuesday

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. –  Trucks equipped with blowers are driving through South Beach to spray pesticides that kill mosquito larvae.

The city announced in an email Monday that it's using Buffalo Turbine trucks to fight the Zika virus. Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control began driving the trucks through the 1.5-square-mile infection zone early Tuesday.

   Another run was scheduled early Wednesday. County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said in a statement the trucks will continue targeting mosquito breeding areas for a month.

   The county also plans to begin aerial spraying of an insecticide called Naled over South Beach.

   Some Miami Beach residents and elected officials oppose using Naled because of toxicity concerns.

Gimenez says state and federal health officials assure county officials that it's safe.

The city commission has scheduled a workshop Wednesday about the aerial spraying.


Recommended Videos