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Fort Smith board discontinues citywide mosquito fogging; board splits on policy change
Summary
After public and board discussion about health and efficacy, the Fort Smith Board voted to discontinue citywide adult mosquito fogging; the measure passed with four votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention.
The Fort Smith City Board of Directors voted to discontinue the city's adult mosquito fogging program, approving a consent-agenda resolution on May 6 by a vote of 4 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstention.
Why it matters: The decision ends a long-standing, city-conducted adult-mosquito fogging program that used an EPA-registered insecticide mixed with mineral oil; staff said the program also distributed larvicide pellets for standing water. Supporters of discontinuation cited public concerns about chemical exposure; opponents warned the change could reduce a familiar vector-control tool.
Matt Meeker, the city staff member overseeing mosquito operations, described operational details: the adult fogging used a permethrin-based material mixed with mineral oil and was applied by seasonal crews in a city truck designed for fogging. Meeker said the program has used larvicide pellets for standing water (one pellet treats about 25 square feet for roughly 60 days) and that staff can provide pellets to residents on request.
Meeker told the board he had not been made aware of a city employee filing a medical claim tied directly to fogging activities, but said he had read research linking mineral oil exposure to certain skin cancers. He also explained that the opt-out system the city uses is address-specific: if a resident requests no spraying at their address, crews are supposed to skip that address and resume spraying on adjacent properties. Meeker said the operational practice of stopping and restarting sprayers for opt-outs creates potential for errors and driver safety concerns.
Board members asked about logistics and safety. Some directors supported discontinuation and recommended retaining the fogging truck and supplies in case the program is later restored. Others urged more public education about larvicide use and cautioned that discontinuation could leave some neighborhoods more exposed, particularly where standing water and leak-related ponding are common.
The clerk called the roll for the separate vote on item 6C; the motion passed with four votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention. The board directed staff to implement the resolution and provide information on alternative mosquito control resources for residents.
Ending: Staff said they will retain equipment and materials for a possible future reinstatement and will continue distributing larvicide pellets and public information about standing-water controls.
