Riverside County To Target Mosquitoes In 173-Acre Spraying Area

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA—Due to recent positive West Nile virus mosquito test sample results and a high mosquito population, the Riverside County Vector Control Program has scheduled an ultra-low volume ground application using truck-mounted sprayers to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.

The treatment will occur in Nuevo. The area, near Nuview Bridge Early College High School, is 173 acres. This location is bordered by Ninth Street to the North, Yucca Avenue to the East, Tenth Street to the South and Reservoir Avenue to the West.

The application of EPA approved mosquito control product Zenivex (EPA Reg No 2724-807) is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5 a.m. until 7 a.m.

The product used is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The product is applied according to label instructions by trained and certified technicians.

Although the product poses very low to no risk, some people may prefer to avoid exposure. To minimize exposure, residents and pets should remain indoors and keep windows closed during and for 15 minutes following ground application. The amount of material sprayed is three ounces per acre, which ensures that humans, animals and crops are safe.

In addition, Vector Control staff are intensifying mosquito surveillance, searching out breeding sites, and conducting larval control where appropriate.

• Apply insect repellent. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under three years of age.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. Dawn and dusk are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are biting you during the daytime hours, please mention that when you call our office because it might help identify the species of mosquito in your area.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from skin.
• Mosquito-proof your home. Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places for mosquitoes to breed by draining/discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty and scrub out any unused flowerpots and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths, livestock troughs and pet bowls at least weekly, scrubbing thoroughly before refilling.
• Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Call the vector control office at 951-766-9454 if you have any questions, would like to report a mosquito problem in your area or to request mosquito larvae eating fish. You may also visit our website www.rivcoeh/programs/vector for more information.