Frequently Asked Questions
Millage
How long is the millage for?
The millage is for a 20-year period beginning in 2022 and ending in 2041.
Mosquito control has been funded through a millage for over 45 years. To learn more click: MILLAGE
How much does the millage cost?
The rate is up to 1.0 mill ( or $1.00 per $1,000 of taxable valuation), calculated according to previous rate increases. This allows us to continue providing similar services with the anticipation of improved technology or regulatory changes.
Example: A home with a market value of around $100,000 with an assessed value of $50,000 would provide the following annual contribution for mosquito control at the rate of 1.0 mills:
Assessed value $ / $1000 x millage rate or 50,000/1000 x 1.0 = $50.00/year*
*This equates to $4.16 per month and is $1.50/month more than the current 0.64 mosquito millage.
To learn more click: MILLAGE
Is SCMAC moving? Why should I fund a new building?
Our current facility provides us the means to test and calibrate our equipment, however, due to community improvements around our current location and their impact on our operations and accessibility, SCMAC will need to relocate. A new facility will allow our focus to remain on our services and their accessibility to residents.
Therefore, the majority of the millage funding still goes to operations and services, while a smaller portion is needed to fund the new facility. The new facility will be substantially funded by the proposed property transaction of our location. The Saginaw City School District has purchased our property for $4 million and also providing a property of about 30 acres. The purchase agreement has been agreed in principle but still needs to be ratified with the School District. This facility will promote the next generation of responsible, effective, and accessible mosquito control.
Services & Programs
Does it cost anything to use SCMAC’s service?
There is no fee for service. Saginaw County residents, however, pay taxes that provide the funds for program operation. Please call the office if you have a mosquito problem.
To learn more click: COMMISSION SERVICES PROGRAMS
How does SCMAC control larval and adult mosquitoes?
Products such as Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) are used to treat water in ponds, storm drains, ditches, etc., where mosquito larvae are found or may develop later. This is called larviciding or larva control.
Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprays are used to help control adult mosquitoes. This is called adulticiding or adult control.
What do the planes do?
Planes are used at the start of our Spring larva control program to spread Bti on the flooded woodlots across the county. View the aerial map.
How often do the yellow trucks spray?
Truck spraying (adult control/adulticide) frequency, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depends on mosquito population or mosquito-borne disease. Spraying for adult mosquitoes only controls mosquitoes and disease present at the given time of spray and offers no residual control. Truck spray knocks-down the amount of nuisance or disease activity and may require frequent or occasional treatment. View treatment map
Why are the trucks so loud?
Each spray truck is equipped with units that blows the product out.
This unit is either a mechanical engine or electrical. The mechanical unit produces the loud distinctive sound heard treating ditches during the day or spraying for adult mosquitoes at night. The electrical unit is much quieter and only used for nighttime spraying.
Dead Birds
What do I do with a dead blue jay or crow?
Please call the office (989-755-5751) or use the online form to report corvid birds (blue jays and crows) that have died in the last 24 hours.
What do dead birds have to do with mosquitoes?
Birds carry certain diseases like West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes get the virus from infected birds and then transmit the disease to other birds, animals or people. Blue jays and crows usually die within 24 hours after contracting WNV. Therefore, these corvid birds are a good indicator of WNV activity.
Prevention
Visit our help us for DIY tips
What can homeowners do around their own properties to reduce mosquitoes?
Homeowners can eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property by periodically emptying water from sources such as buckets, tires, gutters, trash-cans etc. or keeping water clean in swimming pools, dog bowls, bird-baths, etc.
Why are mosquitoes controlled in the larval stage?
The most effective and economical way to control mosquitoes is to prevent them from emerging as biting adults. SCMAC prefers to use products with Bti, a bacteria found in nature.
What is the most effective protection against biting insects?
The most effective treatment is a repellent containing DEET, but there are other repellents available.
Cover your body with light colored clothing (long sleeves, long pants etc.) to make it harder for mosquitoes to bite.
Mosquitoes
The mosquito undergoes a complete metamorphosis: 1. Egg 2. Larva 3. Pupa 4. Adult
See the images at the top or watch the video below understand the mosquito's life cycle.
For more information about mosquitoes visit the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Frequently Asked Question page for questions like "why do only females bite?"
Mosquito Life Cycle
1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult Female
Do all mosquitoes look the same?
Not at all. It is estimated that there are over 3000 species worldwide, about 200 in the USA, about 60 in Michigan and around 30 in Saginaw County.
Most are fairly tiny (1/4") but some species like the Ciliata found in Michigan can be up to an 1". The largest is the elephant mosquito Toxorhynchites (1.5"), also found the the southern United States. The largest tis the Australian Toxorhynchites speciosus.
Some species have very similar markings while some look very different like the Sabethes.
Males are identified by their fuzzy antennas.