Mosquito Treatment Planned For Southwest Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District will treat a portion of southwestern Livermore for adult mosquitos Thursday evening, following increased West Nile virus activity in the area.

The district said in a news release that it plans to spray the insecticide Evergreen 5-25 Ground via a truck with an ultra-low volume sprayer in the area south of Fontenett Avenue and Concannon Boulevard, west of Holmes Street, east of Murdell Lane, and north of Alden Lane. Treatment will start in late evening hours, and conclude a few hours later.

The district said it does not know exactly when wind conditions will allow them to begin, but nearby residents are advised to be inside and have doors and windows closed by 10:30 p.m. The insecticide will break down by sunlight.

The treatment comes in response to confirmed reports of West Nile-positive dead birds and groups of West Nile-positive mosquitos in the treatment area. A similar treatment was applied the night of Tuesday, Sept. 5 in eastern Livermore.

West Nile viruses are higher this year due to the winter’s heavy rain, and scattered showers throughout the spring and summer. As of Sept. 8, California has seen 502 dead birds, 3,455 mosquito samples, 131 sentinel chickens, and 98 humans test positive for West Nile virus, according to the district. Five people in California have died from the disease.

Residents are urged to eliminate sources of water where mosquitos can breed, like plants, outdoor containers, and unmaintained swimming pools. Residents are also advised to wear long, loose clothing, repair broken window screens, and wear insect repellent. Anyone who sees a dead bird is asked to call 877-WNV-BIRD or online at westnile.ca.gov.

Visit mosquitoes.org or call 510-783-7744 for more information.