.San Diego County Vector Control Program is conducting aerial applications of mosquito larvicide
.... For the last two years, San Diego County mosquito-control programs have included larvicide drops on local waterways and working with Sheriff’s officials to find and treat neglected, “green” swimming pools that can become mosquito-breeding grounds.
Female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at a time in the still water found in wetlands. These eggs hatch into larvae which feed on organic material. Larvicides are made from bacteria that are specific to mosquito larvae and will not harm other wildlife. This results in the efficient elimination of larvae before they can develop into biting adults.
The County of San Diego Vector Control Program contractor applies mosquito larvicide by helicopter to wetlands in an effort to reduce mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus (WNV).
August 8TH was the fifth aerial drop of mosquito larvicide for the 2012 mosquito breeding season. Mosquito populations are monitored and tested for the presence of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases throughout the county during the mosquito season. Applications have been conducted at four week intervals or as needed.
Controlling the mosquito population is essential in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
To grow to adulthood and bite the young mosquitoes, or larvae, need water. All they need is ½ inch of water, so getting of containers that hold water around homes, yards, schools and businesses is key.
The public must help by turning over and emptying anything that has potential to hold water such as buckets, toys, clogged rain gutters, old tires, plant saucers, pots, and pet dishes. |
