Press releases

Significant spring runoff will contribute to an above average mosquito season. Mosquito readiness requires a unified effort of local officials as well as community participation.

Residents and business owners are reminded to:

 Remove standing water on your property where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Once a week consider doing a mosquito elimination sweep of your property.

 Control mosquitoes inside your home; repair any damaged screens on windows or doors and keep doors shut at all times.

 Use EPA registered insect repellents. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you look for these active ingredients: DEET; Picaridin; Oil of Lemmon Eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD); or 2 undecanone. Aways use repellents as directed.

 Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid dawn and dusk hours, as these tend to be the times when most mosquitos are active. If you are outside during these times it is recommended that you treat items, such as boots, pants, long-sleeve shirts, socks, (as well as tents) with permethrin.

Inyo County Public Health Officer, Dr. Richardson, agrees, “I cannot underscore enough that mosquito repellents are the absolute best way to protect yourself and your family from getting bit by mosquitoes. I encourage everyone to take a proactive approach this spring and summer and always use and travel with EPA registered insect repellents.”

In addition to Inyo County Health ramping up its readiness, the Inyo County Mosquito Abatement team has been hard at work trapping and testing mosquitoes, as well as treating targeted locations.

Agricultural Commissioner and Director of Weights & Measures, Nate Reade had this to add: “The mosquito trapping process is a critical part of our operations. We target fifteen mosquito species in Inyo County including two exotic mosquitos- aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) and aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) – these two species are the mosquitos that carry Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and other diseases.”

Reade further added that, “these particular species have been found in surrounding counties such as San Bernardino, Kern, Tulare, and Fresno; however, they have not been found in Inyo County (yet). My team maintains a vigilant approach throughout mosquito season so we can identify and eliminate potential threats early.”

Be an active participant in mosquito readiness this spring and summer – and Avoid Mosquito Bites by being prepared and proactive!

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Inyo County Mosquito Abatement Program was slated to perform fogging in the Warm Springs Road area tonight and Saturday morning.

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