Council approves purchase of new mosquito spray product after staff signals better kill rate and 20% drum discount

Parks staff said the city had exhausted its existing mosquito spray supply after an unusually active season and proposed purchasing a new dual-action product called Duet that agitates mosquitoes to yield a higher kill rate.

The presenter said Duet is more expensive than the product the city previously used but that with a 20% discount for 55-gallon drum purchases and adjustments to machine settings it would not cost twice as much as the old product. “It is a dual action formula that agitates the mosquitoes to make them fly. So, therefore, we get a better kill rate when we go out and we actually do a spray,” the presenter said.

Councilmembers asked about effectiveness, frequency, and safety. The presenter said the city’s spraying had been helpful during events this year and that the new product could reduce the frequency of applications. On safety, staff said the product is “extremely safe,” that there is no change in safety profile compared with prior products, and that non-target species such as bees and butterflies would not be impacted when used as directed.

Councilmember Jason moved to approve option 1 (the Duet purchase with the recommended discount and drum size); Councilmember Luke seconded and the council approved the purchase.

Staff said they notify the public about spraying schedules and provide safety data sheets; residents are advised to follow common-sense precautions if accidentally exposed.