Sky Wars: Santa Clara Co. Vector Control Takes Aim At Mosquitoes

SAN JOSE, CA --Heads up Santa Clara County residents. The Vector Control District has started its annual program Thursday to prevent the onslaught of mosquitoes -- specifically the winter salt marsh mosquito (Aedes squamiger).

This marsh mosquito lays its eggs in the moist soil in late spring and early summer. The eggs may lay dormant for years, even after flooding such as the those the South Bay has already experienced in 2019.

The specified treatment used to eliminate them has been safely and effectively used by the county every year since 1992.

The district has been closely monitoring the development of mosquito larvae in the areas to be treated. Current conditions create a high probability that a significant number of salt marsh mosquitoes will become adults in mid-February to mid-March, if left untreated. This species is known to bite viciously during the day and easily mobilize. It can fly more than 15 miles from its breeding grounds to feed on humans and other mammals.

The Palo Alto Flood Basin marsh is on the list for spraying but is difficult to get from the ground. For that, a helicopter will be used to cover large areas and minimize impact to the marsh habitat. The basin marsh covers one square mile.

“The marshland operations are very effective at decreasing mosquito populations and dramatically reducing the risk of mosquito bites for the entire community,” Vector Control District Manager Nayer Zahiri said.

The area will be treated with a naturally occurring soil bacterium that activates when consumed by mosquito larvae. A mosquito-specific treatment prevents them from becoming adults. This eco-friendly application is short lived in the environment and poses no harm to birds, fish, other insects, wildlife or humans, Vector Control insists.

In the Palo Alto Flood Basin, the helicopter may make low-altitude passes over trails surrounding the treatment area, so the public is advised to avoid areas where the helicopter is operating. District staff will be on hand and signs will be posted at various locations around the treatment area to notify visitors about the operation. The marsh trails are not opened to the public during treatment.

Commonly called the “winter salt marsh mosquito,” Aedes squamiger lays its eggs in the moist soil in late spring and early summer. These eggs can lay dormant for many years, even after repeated flooding.

The district encourages residents and visitors to report mosquito-breeding sources and to take preventive measures such as dumping standing water on their property, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as applying repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes are biting.

For free assistance on mosquito control, the public can contact the district office by calling 408-918-4770 or by filling out a service request online at SCCvector.org.

--Image via Shutterstock