Health District begins mosquito abatement

Larviciding will cover 500 acres in Lemmon Valley, Kiley Ranch, South Meadows, and Damonte Ranch

RENO, NV – The Washoe County Health District Vector-Borne Disease Program will conduct the first seasonal helicopter larviciding application in the early morning hours of June 2, 2016, with subsequent applications planned for some time in the first two weeks of July, August and September. The larviciding will cover the Lemmon Valley, Kiley Ranch, South Meadows, and Damonte Ranch areas to prevent mosquito hatching over approximately 500 acres.

Health officials report the applications will consist of Vectolex, a biological larvicide that naturally occurs in the environment. This product is target specific, affecting mosquito larvae with no affect to humans, fish, water fowl or other non-target organism's such as bees.

The Health District has started disease surveillance mosquito trapping, targeting species of mosquitos that transmit diseases including trapping methods for detection of mosquitos capable of transmitting the Zika virus,  if they appear in the Truckee Meadows area.

Health officials remind people that they should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. During the spring and summer months, to prevent an increase in the mosquito population in and around their homes, people should:

•    Clear the yard area of any free-standing water that may become a mosquito breeding-ground

•    Wear long sleeves and long pants in mosquito prone areas

•    Use mosquito repellent such as Deet, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Picaridin, IR3535, or other natural products

•    Repair any window screens that provide entry for mosquitos

•    Vaccinate horses for Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV)

If you are experiencing biting mosquitos call the Vector Borne Disease Program at 785-4599, and staff will investigate the source of these adult mosquitos. The Vector Borne Disease Program also has mosquito fish available for ponds, troughs and other impoundments containing water which will prevent mosquito larvae from hatching into biting adult mosquitos.