Urban Aerial Mosquito Spraying Being Considered For Elk Grove, Davis

July 30, 2015 |

Because of a spike in West Nile Virus (WNV)  activity, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is considering aerial spraying in Elk Grove.

Laboratory results received yesterday by the district confirmed that a total of 26 mosquito samples have tested positive. Additional surveillance results will be available early next week that will help determine if urban aerial spraying will be necessary

“We’re very concerned with the high infection rates in the mosquito population and are considering aerial spraying” Gary Goodman, District Manager said. “We will continue to closely monitor activity in the areas of concern and based on continued surveillance results, aerial treatments may be necessary in some areas” 

In response to the increased WNV activity, the District will intensify ground truck fogging around parks and all other areas where activity has been found around Sacramento County. In Yolo County, along with intense ground treatments, aerial applications to agricultural areas will be conducted outside of Davis and Woodland to create a buffer around the cities and reduce the abundance of adult infected mosquitoes that can pose a health threat to the public. 

The first sign of West Nile virus activity for the season began in early June when a mosquito sample from an agricultural area between Davis and Woodland tested positive. Since then, activity has continued to steadily increase and intensify over the past few weeks. 

The same pattern developed around Elk Grove with many mosquitoes and birds testing positive throughout the city. The increase in activity comes as the first fatality in the state related to West Nile virus was announced last week.

Residents can subscribe to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net and go to Spray Notifications. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website.