Mosquito Fogging Gets Under Way Tomorrow
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has modified the time of its planned ground fogging, due to updated mosquito activity test results. Ground fogging will begin Tuesday morning, August 19, between 4 a.m., and 5:30 a.m., and will continue for 10 consecutive days, weather permitting. The change was necessitated because current mosquito trap counts indicate a greater number of adult mosquitoes are active during this early morning period. Ground fogging during this period will result in improved suppression.
The area affected includes properties surrounding the Cook Street sewer treatment plant. Additionally, the District will barrier treat all Valley sewer treatment plants every two-weeks for a four-week period beginning Monday, August 18.
The area to be treated is off Cook Street, adjacent to the sanitation plant and is bordered by Fred Waring Drive on the south and Merle Drive on the north. Communities in the treatment area include Palm Lake, Waring Place, and Desert Rose. In addition, an area west of Cook and south of Merle Drive including Azurite Circle, Leslie Avenue, Gary Avenue, and portions of Christian Street, Clifford Street, and Sheryl Avenue will also be treated; as will the business park area along Melanie Place. Maps indicating the exact streets to be treated are available on the District’s website at www.cvmvcd.org.
Additionally, the control product used will be Aqua-Reslin, a public health insecticide which is characterized as a botanical insecticide. This product is used by many mosquito control districts because of the small amount needed for treatment and because it breaks down within an hour in the environment. Treatment will be made with truck-mounted ultra-low-volume equipment. Aqua-Reslin will be applied at a rate of 0.007 pounds per acre. This product is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health in urban areas. These products are applied according to label directions by CVMVCD trained and certified technicians, which minimizes the exposure and risk to people and the environment. The public is asked to follow these simple steps:
*Avoid breathing spray mist. Can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
*Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
*Keep pets and birds inside and cover fish aquaria during and after fogging for 30 minutes.
People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition, may consult their physician and should take special measures to avoid exposure.
Residents may visit the District’s website for more information, or call the District at either at 342-8287 or the toll-free (888) 343-9399.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Others will have only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. However, WNV can be severe in young children, the elderly, or individuals with lowered immune systems.
Valley residents are urged to routinely check their yards, to dump mosquito water sources, and to properly maintain their water features. Abandoned or neglected swimming pools are especially worrisome as they can produce hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes and affect residents up to a five-mile radius.
Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
*Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn.
*When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.
*Apply insect repellent according to label instructions.
*Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
*Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.
*Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
Contact the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at one of the numbers listed above to report mosquito problems, request mosquito fish, or to report neglected pools or standing water. Service requests can also be submitted online at www.cvmvcd.org.
That site also provides more information on flies, District services and programs, and booking an informational presentation or tour for your group.