Continued detection of an invasive mosquito in this area increases the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne disease. The District wants to reduce the number of invasive mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting serious viruses, including chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. Aedes mosquitoes have a painful bite that is diminishing the quality of life of residents due to incessant daytime biting. When mosquitoes are eliminated before becoming adults, they cannot pose a nuisance or disease problem.

Ground ULV is carried out usually in urban areas with special equipment mounted on the truck to control adult mosquitoes.

The product, VectoBac® WDG, is environmentally friendly, approved for application on organic crops, and registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The active ingredient in this product is Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a microbe found naturally in soil.

Bti makes proteins that are toxic to immature mosquitoes (larvae) found in standing water, preventing them from developing into flying adult mosquitoes. This lessens the need to spray for adult mosquitoes.

Because Bti is a biological agent, it tends to break down quickly in the environment. Its breakdown in water or soil usually occurs quickly after application.

Risk to the general public from the use of Bti is minimal. It has no effect on people, pets, plants, or wildlife at the amounts used for mosquito control. In fact, little to no direct toxicity to non-target insects has been observed with this product.

The EPA states specifically that Bti has no toxicity to people and does not pose risk based on their numerous studies.

Residents may choose to stay indoors during and for 30 minutes following the application as a best practice to reduce exposure.

It's a community effort - Reduce breeding sites!

The number one most important thing to do to get rid of mosquitoes is to get rid of where they breed – stagnant or standing water! 

• Get rid of, or regularly drain, containers that hold water in the yard. For example birdbaths, buckets, plant saucers, tires, and outside toys.
• Maintain swimming pools in working order, or if you no longer plan to use it, consider filling it in.
• Clean and scrub any containers that have held water, as eggs can survive for months while dry and hatch when water is reintroduced.
• Change pet water bowls daily and birdbaths weekly. 

     No water, no mosquitoes

• Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks to prevent bites.
• Use a repellent with DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. DO NOT use essential oils as mosquito repellent. These have not been proven effective through EPA testing.
• Install and maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Contact the District if you see black with white stripe legged day-biting mosquitoes. 

Aedes aegypti is capable of transmitting serious viruses

This mosquito is capable of transmitting viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. While there are no reports of local transmission of these viruses at this time, the District is working proactively to reduce the chances of future local transmission.

Despite District staff conducting thousands of door-to-door inspections, treating individual properties, and distributing mosquito prevention materials we need the community to help prevent the spread of this mosquito by inspecting their own yards every week and removing water sources where they can breed.

Several factors are necessary for Aedes-transmitted viruses to become a significant health threat in the Coachella Valley. First, an invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) capable of transmitting these viruses must be present and established in a community. Second, a person who has contracted either chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, or Zika virus and is currently infectious would have to be bitten by one of these local invasive mosquitoes. It only takes one mosquito to bite an infected person and transmit it to another person.

Travelers Beware - Avoid bringing mosquito-borne viruses home

If chikungunya, dengue, or Zika is spreading in a country you will be visiting, you and your family are at risk of getting sick from mosquito bites when you visit. Follow these steps to prevent mosquito bites and prevent potentially starting local transmission of these viruses in the Coachella Valley: 

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contain DEET, IR3535, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone). Always use as directed. 
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
• Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months of age. To apply, adults should spray insect repellent onto hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• If it might be difficult to find the recommended repellent at your destination. Pack enough to last the entire trip.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (boots, pants, socks, tents). You can buy pre-treated items or treat them yourself.
• Stay and sleep in screened-in and air-conditioned rooms whenever possible or sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
• Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites. 

Protecting Coachella Valley from the dangers of mosquito-borne disease is a community effort. Join us. Protect Coachella Valley and Fight the Bite. Together! For more information, contact the District at (760) 342-8287 or the form on the website.