Due to the detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the area, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District will be fogging by truck Friday evening to control adult mosquitoes. The area to be treated is bordered on the east by Bixler Road; on the west by Byron Highway 4; on the north by Point of Timber Road; and on the south by Valley Oaks Drive.
TIME: This area will be fogged between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., weather permitting.
MATERIALS USED:
The insecticide to be used is Pyrocide 7067 applied at a rate of .75 ounces per acre by truck-mounted, ultra low volume sprayer.
(For an interactive map, please click here – available shortly after this notification is published)
Adult Mosquito Spraying FAQ
Q. What will trigger spraying?
A. If West Nile virus is detected in the community, the District’s initial response will be to intensify its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites and increase its levels of larviciding in those areas in which West Nile virus has been found. Reducing the adult mosquito population with pesticides (adulticides) registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be done if necessary to prevent human illness or to suppress a heavy nuisance infestation of mosquitoes. The decision to spray, either by truck mounted sprayers or by aircraft, will be based on surveillance information or the documentation of West Nile virus activity at a level that indicates a threat to human health. Spraying will be concentrated in areas most at risk for disease occurrence and will be conducted by certified and licensed applicators. The District’s aggressive campaign against mosquito larvae is intended to minimize the need to use adulticides.
Q. What pesticides will you use?
A. When necessary, our District may use ground and aerial application of pesticides to kill mosquitoes that pose a health risk to the residents of Contra Costa County. In the case of adulticiding, or targeting adult mosquitoes, we would use botanical insecticides (plant derived compounds) or synthetic versions of, that include pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids, as well as piperonyl butoxide. In an emergency situation, we may use malathion or sumithrin. All of the products we use are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and applied according to label directions by our trained and certified technicians. Click here for more information on pesticides used in adult mosquito control.
Q. What risks are there to the residents of Contra Costa County?
A. The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.
Q. Where will the spraying take place?
A. The spraying will take place in areas of concern, as determined by our mosquito and disease surveillance programs. Our trained and certified technicians use a variety of surveillance techniques and treatment criteria to ensure effective mosquito control with the least amount of risk to our residents and our environment.
Q. What are the risks to the environment?
A. The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.
Q. Are the insecticides exclusive to West Nile?
A. No. The pesticides we use target a variety of mosquitoes than can transmit West Nile virus as well as other diseases.
Q. Should I Take Steps to Reduce Exposure to Pesticides During Mosquito Control Spraying?
A. Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions.
Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure. Some common sense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:
* Sign up for our adulticide fogging notification service or visit this website for announcements about spraying. Pay attention to the local media for announcements about spraying and remain indoors during applications in the immediate area.
* People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition, may consult their physician or local health department and take special measures to avoid exposure.
* Close windows and turn off window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area.
* Do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when spraying is taking place.
