Operations Director Pasco County Mosquito Control District, Florida, United States
Abstract: Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) has developed a fully in-house Larvicide Dispersing Auto Loader System to enhance aerial mosquito control operations. This custom-built system automates the loading and dispersal of granular larvicide products for helicopter missions, increasing efficiency, precision, and operator safety while reducing manual handling.
Mounted on a 35-foot gooseneck trailer and towed by a 3500 Dodge Ram, the system features two independent hoppers, each capable of holding 6,000 pounds of larvicide product, for a combined total capacity of 12,000 pounds. This dual-hopper configuration allows for either a single product loadout or the simultaneous use of two distinct larvicides, providing greater flexibility for variable treatment conditions and operational demands.
To further support autonomous field operations, the unit includes an integrated 370-gallon Jet A fuel tank, allowing a helicopter to be refueled and reloaded from the same mobile platform. The system’s design emphasizes field durability, ease of operation, and rapid turnaround between aerial sorties.
By designing and constructing the dispersing system internally, PCMCD avoided costly commercial alternatives and tailored the build to the District’s specific operational needs. The project highlights PCMCD’s commitment to innovation, safety, and operational efficiency, showcasing how targeted in-house engineering can optimize large-scale mosquito control missions while ensuring reliable, accurate, and environmentally responsible larvicide dispersal to protect public health.
