Aerial spraying for mosquitoes to continue Saturday night in Modesto, Empire. What to know
Modesto and Empire homeowners with fishponds are advised to cover them before aerial spraying set for Saturday night.
Also, keep children and pets indoors.
The East Side Mosquito Abatement District announced spraying to control mosquitoes from 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday over northeast, east and southwest Modesto and Empire.
The aircraft will spray almost 8,000 acres with Dibrom, the same material that sparked a number complaints about fish dying in backyard ponds in Modesto after aerial applications earlier in August.
A news release issued Friday said the residents in the affected areas should take precautions including closing windows and staying indoors if possible while the aircraft is over their neighborhood.
Homeowners are urged to “keep children indoors, same with pets, and cover backyard fishponds as a precaution during and a couple of hours after spray time,” the East Side news release said. Make sure to remove the covers later to prevent oxygen depletion in fishponds.
Abatement districts in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties have been spraying this summer to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus and another species able to spread dengue fever and Zika. The dengue and Zika viruses have not been detected in the Central Valley but the districts want to keep those mosquitoes in check.
Areas designated for spraying Saturday night include west Modesto neighborhoods on both sides of Paradise Road. The southern boundary of the spray area is Dryden Park Golf Course and the Tuolumne River.
The district also will spray residential areas from Briggsmore Avenue north to the Beyer Park area and Sylvan Avenue, from Coffee Road to Claus Road. Aerial applications are also scheduled for Empire and a rural area on the north side of Highway 132, east of Albers Road.
The East Side district stresses that Dibrom in low concentrations is safe for people because only a tiny amount (0.75 fluid ounces per acre) is applied over residential areas. The thin spray remains in the air for 10 to 15 minutes, killing mosquitoes on contact. The chemical breaks down rapidly in sunlight and water.
Last week, officials said they were skeptical that the aerial applications harmed fish in ponds.
Residents can view a map of the Saturday spray areas, and watch for future applications, on the East Side Mosquito Abatement District site under “Media” and “News releases.”
Precautions recommended for those with known chemical sensitivities or a heightened sense of concern include:
- Stay indoors with windows closed during the spraying.
- Don’t allow children to play outdoors for four hours after the spraying.
- If you come into contact with the chemical, rinse your skin and eyes with water.
- Cover outside furniture and grills before the spraying.
- Bring pets and items like pet food dishes and children’s toys indoors.
This story was originally published August 30, 2024 at 11:41 AM.
