🦟 Buffalo Turbine deployed to tackle mosquito surge in Cayman Islands

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) in the Cayman Islands has activated its Buffalo Turbine to address a surge in mosquito numbers following heavy rainfall. The turbine was deployed around the centre of George Town on Monday night and was used in the industrial area in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The device sprays Altosid larvicide, a substance that is harmless to humans, animals, fish, and vegetation. 🌧️

While the MRCU uses a variety of tools to control mosquito populations, including aircraft and fogging trucks, the Buffalo Turbine is used less frequently. The turbine is particularly useful in areas where air traffic prevents the use of aircraft. In addition to deploying the Buffalo Turbine, the MRCU is urging the public to help prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water on their property. Common items such as toys, flowerpots without proper drainage, tarps, tyres, and buckets can collect water and become mosquito breeding sites. 🦟