Low-Flying Helicopters Set to Buzz Hillsborough County Skies This Week

Hillsborough County residents will notice low‑flying helicopters buzzing over their neighborhoods during daylight hours this week as crews work to curb dengue fever.

From Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Oct. 16, county aerial teams will treat the Bloomingdale, Palm River, East Tampa and East Lake areas. Their aim is to eliminate mosquito larvae in standing water before the insects mature into biting adults that can spread the virus.

The low‑altitude flights will disperse a liquid larvicide called Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring soil bacterium. Officials assure that Bti targets mosquito larvae exclusively, poses no risk to humans, pets, fish, birds or beneficial insects, and breaks down harmlessly in the environment.

County officials outlined the treatment zones:

– **East Lake and East Tampa:** Bordered by Sligh Avenue to the north, Interstate 4 to the south, North 50th Street to the east, and North 22nd Street to the west.
– **Palm River:** Bounded by the Selmon Expressway to the north, the Alafia River to the south, U.S. 301 to the east, and Hillsborough Bay to the west.
– **Bloomingdale:** Framed by Bloomingdale Avenue to the north, the Alafia River and Boyette Road to the south, Lithia Pinecrest Road to the east, and U.S. 41 to the west.

Residents and workers inside these zones can expect aircraft to skim just above tree lines and rooftops, making repeated parallel passes over streets and homes. The flights will generate noticeable engine noise, and observers may see a fine mist as the larvicide is released over the treatment grid.

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, has intensified both ground and air operations after routine mosquito trap testing detected dengue virus activity in several neighborhoods.

Beyond the aerial sprays, the county urges residents to protect themselves by remembering the “3 Ds”:

– **Dump:** Empty or cover any containers that hold standing water around yards and patios.
– **Dress:** Wear light‑colored long sleeves, long pants and closed‑toe shoes when outdoors.
– **Defend:** Apply insect repellent containing CDC‑recommended ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.