Posted on July 18th, 2024 at 11:00am

Coachella Valley, CA: The District will conduct weekly truck-mounted mosquito control applications to reduce the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne viruses. The treatments are planned for Saturdays, beginning July 20th, 2024, and continuing through September 21st, 2024, between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., weather permitting.

The treatments will target the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti, first found in the Coachella Valley in 2016, and capable of transmitting harmful viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. While the viruses are not currently transmitted locally, the District is taking steps to reduce the abundance of this mosquito throughout the Coachella Valley.

The District will use VectoBac WDG, an organic product targeting mosquito larvae. Residents in the targeted areas in Coachella and Indio received a postcard with information regarding the planned treatments. Additional information can be found on the District website.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are small (about ¼ inch), black and white, and feed almost exclusively on humans, biting aggressively all day long. To help eliminate this mosquito, residents must eliminate all possible standing water sources around their homes. “The public plays a critical role in reducing the abundance and controlling this mosquito,” said Jeremy Wittie, General Manager for the District. “Mosquito control is a community effort!”

How residents can help reduce mosquitoes:

• Dump and Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in and near standing water. Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to lay eggs. Potted plant saucers are the leading breeding source for the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. Limit the number of places mosquitoes can breed by dumping and draining items that hold water.

Prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear insect repellent. EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).
• Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.