Ankle Biter Mosquitos Wreak Havoc On RivCo Residents: Spraying Planned

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County vector control officials are watching the rise in mosquito populations across the county. The next large scale anti-mosquito spraying operation was planned for next week in Perris, encompassing a park and multiple residential streets, to eradicate growing infestations that pose a potential risk to public health.

The Department of Environmental Health has scheduled "ultra-low volume" insecticide spraying between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Tuesday in the area south of Yosemite Avenue, north of Caldera Street, west of Goetz Road and east of Monolith Trail.

Monument Ranch Park is within the spray zone, as well as several housing subdivisions that border a canal.

According to Department of Environmental Health Deputy Director Kristin Lorge, mosquitoes that were recently netted in the area tested positive for West Nile virus, raising concerns about the potential for it to be transmitted.

Anti-mosquito spraying involves the use of chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pesticides are emitted as a mist dispersed from machines anchored in the backs of pickup trucks. Lorge recommended that during operations, residents stay indoors and keep windows closed until at least 15 minutes after the trucks have departed.

Three human WNV infections have been documented in Riverside County so far this year. Statewide, there have been 98 confirmed infections, resulting in five fatalities, according to the California Department of Public Health.

In 2020, there were 10 confirmed human cases in Riverside County, and three in 2021, according to the county Emergency Management Department. No cases were documented in 2022.

Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans. Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans May to October. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes with WNV, residents were reminded to:

-- spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;

-- wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity in mosquito-prone areas;

-- use insect repellent;

-- ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and

-- get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.

Anyone with concerns should contact the Department of Environmental Health at 951-766-9454.

Read also:

Get Ready For The Invasion Of The Ankle Biters