Lakes of Bent Tree vs the Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus)

Starting in June, with our regular "second Thursday" mosquito treatment, the Association will be trying a different product: Talstar Professional, a stronger, longer-lasting mosquito control product.

This change is being made for a simple reason: Talstar provides longer-lasting mosquito control than the botanical product we have been using that had limited effect after several days. Our prior product was a more natural, essential-oil-based treatment. While it has advantages, it typically does not provide the same residual effect outdoors, especially after sun exposure, irrigation, rain, and normal weather conditions.

Talstar is a professional-use insecticide commonly used for mosquito barrier treatments around shrubs, shaded vegetation, fences, building perimeters, and other areas where mosquitoes rest during the day. The goal is not to eliminate every mosquito—which is unrealistic—but to reduce mosquito populations and improve outdoor comfort. Combined with personal mosquito protection such as repellents, this should make outdoor activities more enjoyable throughout the property.

What Residents Should Know

Talstar will be applied by our pest control provider, Carter, in accordance with the product label and only in appropriate exterior areas.

Like any pesticide, it should be treated with respect. The most important precaution is simple:

Avoid treated areas until the application has dried.

Once dry, normal outdoor activities may resume.

Spraying Day Precautions (Second Thursday of Each Summer Month)

On scheduled treatment days, residents should take the following precautions:

• Keep people and pets away from treated areas until dry. This includes dogs, cats, children, and anyone walking through landscaped areas.


• Close windows and doors during application. This helps prevent spray mist from drifting indoors.


• Bring in or cover pet bowls, toys, cushions, and small personal items. Anything located in landscaped, patio, or balcony areas should be moved or protected before treatment.


• Do not allow pets to eat grass, leaves, or plants in treated areas until dry. After drying, normal use may resume, but pets should continue to be supervised as usual.


• Avoid touching freshly treated plants or surfaces. If accidental contact occurs before drying, wash exposed skin with soap and water.


• Keep contractors, guests, and dog walkers informed. If someone will be on your patio, balcony, or walking your pet on treatment day, please let them know to avoid treated areas until dry.

Residents can also help by avoiding irrigation or hosing down treated areas immediately after spraying and by reporting standing water where mosquitoes may be breeding. For standing water, the appropriate treatment is usually a mosquito larvicide rather than a general spray application.

Why This Matters

Mosquito control works best when treatment is consistent, targeted, and supported by residents. Barrier spraying helps reduce adult mosquitoes, but it works even better when the community also eliminates breeding areas.

Please empty standing water from saucers, buckets, tarps, toys, drains, birdbaths, and other containers around your home. Even a small amount of stagnant water can produce mosquitoes.

Thank you for your cooperation as we transition to a longer-lasting mosquito control program while continuing to use reasonable precautions for residents, pets, landscaping, and the environment.