San Diego City Wire

San Diego County is set to conduct its first routine aerial larvicide drop of the year next week in an effort to prevent the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes. The County will be using helicopters to drop solid, granular larvicide on hard-to-reach potential mosquito breeding areas, covering nearly 1,400 acres of local waterways.

The County's Vector Control officials emphasized the importance of these larvicide drops, stating that the goal is to stop mosquitoes from potentially spreading diseases like West Nile virus. As mentioned by County officials, the larvicide does not harm people or pets but effectively eliminates mosquito larvae before they can develop into biting mosquitoes.

In the past few years, the impact of West Nile virus in San Diego County has been relatively mild, with three or fewer people testing positive annually since 2017. However, Vector Control officials urge the public to remain cautious, as mosquitoes can still pose a threat. People are advised to protect themselves from mosquitoes by following the "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines provided by the County.

The County's Vector Control's Integrated Vector Management Strategy includes various techniques to manage mosquito populations, such as aerial larvicide drops, monitoring potential breeding areas, and distributing mosquito-eating fish. Additionally, Vector Control officials remind the public to eliminate standing water around their homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

With the presence of new invasive Aedes mosquitoes in the region, which can potentially transmit diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, Vector Control underscores the importance of community participation in mosquito prevention efforts. By following simple steps like removing standing water and using insect repellent, individuals can help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Residents are encouraged to report any increased mosquito activity or stagnant water sources to the County's Vector Control Program. By staying vigilant and proactive in mosquito prevention measures, the community can work together to combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

For more information and tips on preventing mosquito-borne illnesses, individuals can visit San Diego County's "Fight the Bite" website or contact the Vector Control Program directly.