Coachella Valley, Ca: To help reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has scheduled truck-mounted mosquito control applications in the city of Coachella.

Applications are planned for Monday, September 15, between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., weather permitting. Advisory signs have been placed in the affected communities to notify residents.

To maximize the effectiveness of the mosquito control applications, the District asks residents in the application areas to stay indoors while the trucks are operating on their streets.

All mosquito control products used by the District are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public health protection. Products are applied by trained and certified technicians in accordance with label instructions.

Although these products and application methods pose minimal risk to people and pets, the District recommends that, as a precaution, residents remain indoors during the application and for 30 minutes afterward.

“Recent weather conditions and rainfall have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Jeremy Wittie, General Manager of the District. “It's important for all community members to do their part by eliminating any standing water around their homes and workplace.”

As of the date of this release, the District has detected:

• West Nile virus in 10 mosquito samples
• St. Louis encephalitis virus in 84 mosquito samples.

No human cases of these mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported in the Coachella Valley to date.

How to prevent mosquitoes around your home

• Inspect your yard regularly for standing water. Empty and drain water that may have collected in places like potted plant saucers, bird baths, old tires, buckets, or any other items that can hold water.
• Check rain gutters and lawn drains to ensure they are not clogged or holding water and debris.
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water dishes weekly to prevent mosquito larvae from developing.

Preventing Mosquito Bites:

• Use insect repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Apply to exposed skin and/or clothing as directed on the product label.
• Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes, especially when mosquitoes are active.
• Check that window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.