Community of Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, and Northshore

When: Saturday, June 6, June 13, June 20 and Thursday, June 18 &

Saturday, September 12. Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3

Time: 1:00AM-7:00AM 

 

 

Application Method: Wide Area Larvicide Spraying (WALS)

•  The District's WALS method uses a powerful truck-mounted sprayer that combines high volumes of air and low volumes of liquid larvicide mixed with water to efficiently treat a wide variety of mosquito breeding sites. 
• WALS effectively reaches small and hard to find mosquito habitats that can potentially collect water and are ideal for mosquito breeding. 

Application Product: VectoBac WDG

• The product used for this type of application is an organic OMRI rated product. This product uses a type of naturally occuring bacteria.
• When applied as directed, the product will not harm people, pets, nor wildlife including aquatic life, other insects, and honeybees. 

Vectobac WDG

• Safety Data Sheet
• Label

What is a Larvicide?   A larvicide is a product used to control mosquitoes in their immature stages while they are still in water. By preventing these immature stages from developing into adults, larvicides help reduce the number of biting mosquitoes in the community.

What are the Benefits of Larvicides?  Using larvicides to target mosquitoes in their immature stages helps reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that emerge and bite people. 

How is WALS Used at the District?
The District uses Wide Area Larvicide Spraying (WALS) with a truck-mounted sprayer that produces a strong air stream combined with a fine mist of larvicide diluted in water. This method allows the larvicide to drift into small, hard-to-find breeding sites, making it an efficient way to treat a wide range of mosquito habitats and reduce mosquito populations. 

What Product Does the District Use for WALS?
For Wide Area Larvicide Spraying (WALS), the District uses VectoBac® WDG, an organic product approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). VectoBac contains a naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti). When mosquito larvae ingest Bti, it releases protein crystals that damage the larvae’s gut lining, ultimately killing them.

Will This Approach Kill Adult Mosquitoes?
No. This method uses only a larvicide, which targets mosquitoes in their larval stage before they develop into biting adults. The District uses separate tools and strategies to control adult mosquito populations.

How Can I Find Out Where These Treatments Are Taking Place?
Residents within the planned routes should receive a mailer prior to the first treatment. Additionally, residents can sign up for our mailing list and also visit our social media platforms @cvmosquito. 

Will Spraying Affect Bees?
No. When Wide Area Larvicide Spraying (WALS) is conducted with VectoBac® WDG, it does not harm bees or other beneficial pollinators.

Will the Application Leave Any Residue?
The spray may leave behind tiny dried droplets that can sometimes appear as a fine dust on outdoor surfaces. These residues are harmless, easily washable, and will not damage your home, garden, outdoor furniture, or vehicles.

Is the Product Harmful to Humans or Pets?
No. When applied as directed, Bti is safe for people, pets, wildlife, aquatic life, beneficial insects, and honeybees.

Do I Have to Go Indoors During Spraying?
No. It is not necessary to go indoors during the application. However, residents who prefer may choose to go inside for added comfort.