San Diego City Wire

San Diego County began ramping up its proactive treatment of mosquito breeding sites in waterways around the county in April. The goal is to reduce these pests and their risk for spreading diseases, such as West Nile virus.

Every year in spring, the County’s Vector Control Program applies a safe, eco-friendly larvicide by helicopter to treat nearly 1,400 acres of hard-to-reach areas where mosquitoes breed. This year, locations in the Tijuana River Valley with stagnant water are also being treated to protect people living or visiting that area. The larvicide does not harm people or pets but kills mosquito larvae before they can grow into adult biting mosquitoes.

Larvicide drops during the mosquito season (usually April-October) are just one part of Vector Control’s Integrated Vector Management Strategy. County Vector Control monitors over 1,600 potential mosquito-breeding areas each year and applies larvicide through various techniques—aerial drops, boats, trucks, and hand-crews. It also distributes free mosquito-eating fish to the public, tracks down and treats neglected swimming pools, tests dead birds for West Nile virus, and monitors mosquito populations for potential mosquito-borne illnesses.

Residents are encouraged to follow the “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines to protect themselves from mosquitoes:

- Dump out or remove any items inside and outside homes that can hold water.

- Use mosquito fish to control breeding in backyard standing water sources.

- Wear long sleeves and pants or use insect repellent when outdoors.

- Ensure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.

Increased mosquito activity or stagnant water sources should be reported to the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality’s Vector Control Program by calling (858) 694-2888 or emailing vector@sdcounty.ca.gov. Residents experiencing persistent mosquito issues after checking for standing water can request an educational inspection from the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888.

For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses visit San Diego County’s “Fight the Bite” website.