Aerial spraying set for Modesto to control mosquitoes that spread West Nile, other diseases
Aerial spraying is scheduled this week over northeast Modesto to combat an increase in mosquitoes capable of spreading illness to people.
In a news release, East Side Mosquito Abatement District said about 6,300 acres will be sprayed from the air Thursday between 9 and 11 p.m. The aerial application could be reset for Friday, same time, if there is inclement weather, the district said.
Surveillance is showing an increase in culex mosquitoes, which can transmit the West Nile virus. Another species, aedes aegypti, also is a target of the spraying. That species can carry dengue and Zika and is suspected of transmitting dengue to two people in Los Angeles County last year, though the viruses are not believed to be present in Stanislaus County.
The aerial applications over Modesto will use Dibrom. The insecticide registered by the Environmental Protection Agency contains naled as the active ingredient to control adult mosquitoes. Small amounts of the insecticide are sprayed at a rate of 0.75 fluid ounces per acre, the news release said.
The area targeted for spraying is north of Dry Creek, mostly between McHenry Avenue on the west and Claus Road on the east. Sylvan Avenue is roughly the northernmost boundary for the aerial applications.
“We are picking up mosquitoes that are positive (for West Nile),” East Side District Manager Wakoli Wekesa said. “We have a lot of mosquitoes and they are positive, so we know we are going to see more cases (of infection.)“
The East Side district is contracting with Vector Disease Control Inc. of Sacramento, which has twin-engine planes permitted to fly over residential neighborhoods. East Side has only a single-engine plane.
People in the areas targeted for spraying in northeast Modesto should keep their windows closed and stay indoors if possible when the aircraft is over their neighborhood, the news release said. The spray should clear in a few minutes.
Along with a case of West Nile infection in Stanislaus County in July, Fresno and Yuba counties have reported cases this year. The virus has been detected in numerous counties in California.
In fewer than 1% of infections, the virus causes a severe neurological illness that may be life-threatening. Some people suffer milder symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches.
Residents can minimize the mosquitoes around their homes by dumping and draining standing water. Saucers for potted plants are a favored breeding place for aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
People are advised to use insect repellent before going outside in the morning or evening. Also check windows and door screens to keep mosquitoes from getting into your home.
For more information, contact the East Side Mosquito Abatement District at 209-522-4098.
This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 2:58 PM.
