Frequent Questions
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Q:
Why is my area being fogged for mosquitoes?
A: Mosquito control applications are made when BCMVCD monitoring activities
have determined:
• That mosquito populations have reached levels that threaten public health,
• That incidences of mosquito-transmitted diseases have been reported in the area,
• That the nuisance threshold for the general population has been exceeded.
Adult mosquito control fogging is implemented to reduce adult mosquito
populations and lessen the risk of disease transmission to residents and
their animals.
Local public health agencies, news media, mosquito control districts and
news media work together to inform residents of the mosquito problem,
and current disease threat. These applications are done under the direct
control of licensed professional applicators with specific training for
this type of public health pest control.
Q:
What types of insecticides are used to control mosquitoes?
A: In addition to eliminating breeding habitats, a variety of different
products may be used to control mosquitoes, including biological and chemical
products that control mosquito larvae or adults. Only products registered
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and California EPA
are used. All products are applied at ultra low volumes, typically a few
ounces or less per acre, by approved aircraft or ground sprayers. This
low rate is highly effective and poses minimal exposure risks to people,
animals and the environment.
One of the most effective insecticides used to control adult mosquitoes
is pyrethrin, an organic botanical insecticide made from chrysanthemum
flowers grown in Kenya, Ecuador and Australia. Pyrethrin is used in
residential, agricultural and commercial areas throughout the United
States because of its high toxicity to targeted insects and low hazard
to humans and domestic animals. Pyrethrin is applied at a maximum label
rate of .0025 lbs. per acre.
Mosquito fogging is done in areas where adult mosquitoes frequent, including
residential and agricultural areas, marshes and woodlands.
Most mosquito species are active in the early morning, evening and nighttime
hours when searching for a blood meal. It is also the time when winds
are calm and the most effective adulticide applications can be made. Larvicidal
mosquito control applications can be made at any time to standing water
and other larvae habitats.
Q:
Are these pesticides safe?
A: The EPA evaluates and tests all products thoroughly before they can
be used to be sure there is a "reasonable certainty of no harm"
to humans, animals and the environment. While no insecticide is 100% safe,
the products used to control mosquitoes have passed rigorous safety tests
required by the EPA.
Q:
Is it safe to be outside when these applications are made?
A: Local government, public health agencies, news media and mosquito control
specialists work together to inform the public of spray schedules so that
you and your family can go inside during the application. Generally speaking,
the spray material dissipates within 30 minutes after the application
equipment has left the area. After the material has dissipated, normal
outside activities may resume, but with the noticeable absence of mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes eventually come back from unknown larval mosquito
breeding sources, so spray operations are often repeated during the season.
Q:
What steps should I take to reduce exposure during spraying?
A: There is no need, for most
individuals, to take any special precautionary measures during mosquito
control spraying. However, people who suffer from chemical sensitivity
may want to remain indoors and take the following additional steps...
• Close windows and turn off swamp coolers or window air conditioners
during applications
in your immediate
area. Once the material has dissipated (usually within 30 minutes),
most sensitive individuals
can return to their normal activities.
• Do not let children play near truck-mounted spray equipment.
Q:
Where can I get mosquitofish?
A:
Click
here for information on where to get mosquitofish.
Q:
What can I do about a neighbors green swimming pool?
A: To report a green swimming
pool call the BCMVCD District Office at (530) 533-6038
or (530) 342-7350
Q:
How do I report standing water?
A: To report standing water call
the BCMVCD District Office at (530) 533-6038 or (530) 342-7350
Q:
How do I report a dead bird?
A: To report a dead bird or squirrel
please call the Dead Bird Hotline toll free
at 1-877-WNV-BIRD
(1-877-968-2473) or
click
here.
Q:
Do you deliver mosquitofish?
A: We can deliver mosquitofish for large ponds that are more than 40 surface
feet. We can also deliver mosquitofish for those who are unable to pick
them up themselves. To arrange for a mosquitofish delivery please call
our District office at (530) 533-6038 or (530) 342-7350
Q:
What can I do about yellow jackets?
A: If you have a yellow jacket
problem, please call our District office at (530) 533-6038
or (530) 342-7350
Q:
What do I do if I find a tick?
A: If you find a tick follow these steps to remove it:
- Grasp the tick with tissue or tweezers (never with bare hands) as close
to your skin as possible. If ticks are crushed with bare fingers, exposure
to ticks body fluids may lead to transmission of the disease organisms.
- Gently pull the tick from the skin. Do Not
twist, burn, apply kerosene, Vaseline or any other irritant to the tick.
- After removing the tick apply antiseptic to the bite area and wash
hands with soap and water.
- If the tick cannot be removed, or part of it is left in the skin, consult
your physician.
