By Sara Beth Williams–
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has announced plans to conduct ground spraying in parts of Sacramento County early Wednesday morning, July 2, to target invasive container-breeding mosquitoes.
Spraying will take place between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting, and will involve larval control treatment using Vectobac WDG, a biological larvicide designed to reduce mosquito populations at the larval stage.
Treatment areas scheduled for spraying include:
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Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and Fair Oaks (ZIP Codes 95610, 95662, 95628): from Bonita Way east to Almond Avenue, and from C-Bar-C Park south to Greenback Lane.
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Upper Land Park/Land Park in Sacramento (ZIP Code 95818): from Broadway south to Land Park, and from the Sacramento River to the railroad tracks past Freeport Boulevard.
A full list of treatment areas along with an interactive map, can be found on the District’s Spraying Update page.
Ground spraying is part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and Mosquito-Borne Disease Management Plan, which aim to protect public health by controlling mosquito populations before they become a larger threat.
According to several news reports, West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this year in Yolo and Sacramento counties, the district announced in in a June 18 press release.
The district is urging residents throughout the region to take precautions including, draining standing water, dressing appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, using insect repellent, and inspecting door and window screens on your home to ensure they’re in good working order without holes.
The district also recently announced the upcoming implementation of a Sterile Insect Technique pilot program, which aims to introduce sterile male mosquitoes into the mosquito population in order to reduce the population of the invasive mosquito species called Aedes aegypti.
The invasive species has been rapidly spreading in the region and poses a public health threat for diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, according to the district. The pilot program is slated to launch in July in South Natomas.
According to the district, all products used for ground spraying are registered and evaluated by the California Environmental Protection Agency and are deemed safe when applied properly. However, residents in affected areas who are concerned about exposure may choose to stay indoors during the application window. Individuals with health concerns are encouraged to consult with their physician.
For questions about treatment, residents can visit the Spraying FAQ page or call the district directly at 800-429-1022.
To learn more about mosquito control methods and the district’s public health initiatives, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
