San Diego City Wire

San Diego County’s Vector Control Program is scheduled to conduct a routine mosquito-fighting aerial larvicide drop on June 26 and 27 across approximately 50 rivers, streams, ponds, and other waterways in the county. This operation aims to eliminate mosquito larvae. The effort includes applying a mosquito-reducing larvicide by helicopter in the Tijuana River Valley. This marks the second such drop by helicopter in this area within the month due to standing water that can support mosquito breeding.

Following winter storms, unusual standing water has been observed, prompting Vector Control crews to increase mosquito surveillance and ground-based larvicide treatments in the area. The aerial application targets hard-to-reach areas, complementing truck or hand applications to reduce mosquitoes and their potential for spreading diseases like West Nile virus.

The larvicide used is safe and eco-friendly, posing no harm to people or pets while effectively killing mosquito larvae before they mature into adult mosquitoes. These larvicide drops are part of Vector Control’s Integrated Vector Management Strategy during the mosquito season (typically April-October). The program monitors over 1,600 potential mosquito-breeding sites annually and employs various methods including aerial drops, boats, trucks, and hand-crews for larvicide application.

Additionally, the program distributes free mosquito-eating fish to the public, treats neglected swimming pools, tests dead birds for West Nile virus, and monitors countywide mosquito populations for potential illnesses. There have been no locally contracted human cases of West Nile virus reported this year. Although some local mosquitoes and birds tested positive for the virus last year and earlier this year, Vector Control efforts have prevented its transmission to humans.

West Nile virus symptoms are generally mild but can include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. In rare instances, it can cause severe illness or death.

“We’re at the peak of mosquito season right now,” said John-Ross Glueck, interim director of the County’s Environmental Health Division. “In addition to the County’s diligent vector control efforts, people can make a difference at home or work.”

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

To protect against mosquitoes:

- Remove items that can hold water from homes.

- Use free mosquito fish for backyard standing water sources.

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

- Ensure window and door screens are intact.

- Report increased mosquito activity or stagnant water sources to the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality’s Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

- Request an educational inspection if experiencing persistent issues despite removing standing water.