Drone combats mosquitoes over East Park

Killing mosquitoes was the task assigned to an unmanned aerial vehicle pilot in Dexter’s East Park on June 11.

The pilot of the UAV, also known as a drone, applied a botanical insecticide product of Rockwell Labs Ltd. called EcoVia EC. The active ingredients contain thyme and rosemary oil. The inert ingredients contain wintergreen oil.

Before application, the pilot flew a small drone utilizing PIX4D software. PIX4D takes aerial images from the drone and digitizes maps and 3D models for accurate application within the boundaries of the park.

A drone sprays a botanical insecticide product called EcoVia EC over East Park. The mixture includes thyme, rosemary and wintergreen oils.Dexter Statesman/Sherman Smith

Once mapped, application zones can be determined and the insecticide may be applied more effectively and efficiently.

“We did not include the swimming pool area,” said City Administrator David Wyman.

The large drone launched from an elevated pad with a poly tank containing EcoVia EC mounted to its belly.

Below each of the four propellers, pressurized misting nozzles were mounted to broadcast the insecticide. The drone flew the targeted zones in a grid-like fashion, only returning to the landing pad for refueling or recharging.

For more information on the product applied, visit rockwelllabs.com