First mosquito abatement operation of 2019 set for Wednesday, April 17

Larviciding will cover 1,000 acres throughout southern Washoe County

First mosquito abatement operation of 2019 set for Wednesday, April 17

Larviciding will cover 1,000 acres throughout southern Washoe County

RENO, NV, April 11, 2019 – The Washoe County Health District will conduct the first seasonal mosquito larviciding application beginning in the early morning hours of April 17, with subsequent applications planned for May, June, July, and August. The helicopter larviciding will cover approximately 1,000 acres in Washoe County from the North Valleys to Washoe Lake. This is an early seasonal application in anticipation of increased mosquito activity due to above average wet winter and spring weather. 

Health officials report this application will consist of Altosid P35, a biological larvicide that exists naturally in the environment which specifically targets mosquito larvae with no affects to humans, fish, water fowl, or other non-targeted insects such as bees. Future applications coincide with the effectiveness of the product in order to interrupt the lifecycle of mosquitos at the larval stage, killing larvae before they become flying, biting, disease-transmitting adult mosquitos. 

Health officials remind people that it only takes a few consecutive days of warm weather for mosquitos to become active. So everyone should take precautionary measures and steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. During the spring and summer months people should: 

• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants in mosquito prone areas. Especially in early morning and evening hours when mosquitos are most active;
• Use mosquito repellents, applying a layer directly on skin, and one on clothing for maximum protection;
• Keep window and door screens in good repair to prevent mosquitos from entering into homes;
• Vaccinate horses for Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV); and,
• Clear areas around living spaces of any free-standing water and containers that can hold even small amounts of water like pet bowls and planters. These may become mosquito breeding grounds.

The Vector-Borne Diseases Program also has mosquito fish available for ponds, troughs and other large water containers. The small minnow-sized fish feed on mosquito larvae and prevent them from hatching into biting adult mosquitos. 

If you are experiencing biting mosquitos call the Vector-Borne Diseases Program at 785-4599, and staff will investigate the source of these adult mosquitos. 

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About Washoe County Health District: The Washoe County District Board of Health, through the Washoe County Health District, has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Washoe County, Nevada. Its mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Washoe County through health promotion, disease prevention, public health emergency preparedness, and environmental services. The Board of Health is composed of seven members, including two representatives each from Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, and a physician licensed to practice medicine in Nevada.