San Diego County CA— The San Diego County Vector Control Program (VCP) will conduct the first mosquito larvicide aerial application of 2015 to select water sources such as lagoons, lakes, ponds, and creeks that are identified mosquito breeding sources on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They can transmit serious diseases including West Nile virus to people and animals. The symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, chills, and rashes. In rare cases, the illness may progress to encephalitis, coma, and even death. For more information on West Nile virus, visit www.SDFightTheBite.com.
To protect public health and the environment, the Vector Control program applies a granular mosquito larvicide by helicopter to select water bodies that are identified mosquito breeding sources and that cannot be treated effectively by hand or land vehicle. These aerial applications occur every three to four weeks during the mosquito breeding season, generally April to October, or as needed.
The granular larvicide used by the Vector Control Program acts specifically on mosquito larvae and will not harm people, pets, plants, or wildlife. The larvicide consists of corn cob or sand granules coated with naturally occurring bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bacillus sphaericus, and/or Saccharopolyspora spinosa. These naturally occurring bacteria specifically target mosquito larvae and prevent them from developing into biting adults.
During aerial treatments, a GPS-equipped helicopter applies the larvicide directly to areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Vector Control Program staff are present prior to, during, and immediately following the treatment to monitor the application and answer questions.
If you think you have symptoms consistent with West Nile Virus, contact your healthcare provider. Remember: the best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.
If you would like to learn more about the mosquito aerial treatments including the application schedule and the products used, please visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/aerials