Aerial spraying planned for parts of Modesto to reduce risk of West Nile virus
A mosquito abatement district will conduct aerial spraying Friday night over north and northeast Modesto to control mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.
East Side Mosquito Abatement District said the spraying will target a 6,600-acre area between 8:30 and 11 p.m.
According to a news release, the district will apply Dibrom in a minute concentration of 0.75 fluid ounces per acre. East Side contracts with Sacramento-based Vector Disease Control Inc. for twin-engine aircraft to conduct the spraying.
People living in the targeted neighborhoods are advised to keep windows closed and stay indoors if possible when the planes are overhead for a few minutes. The district has additional information on its website.
A case of West Nile illness confirmed in early July is the only reported case in Stanislaus County in 2025, a county Health Services Agency spokesperson said. Turlock Mosquito Abatement District has reported 34 mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus.
Residents can help reduce pesky mosquitoes by draining standing water around their homes. Potted plant saucers are often a breeding source for mosquitoes, the district news release said.
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
