Inyo County OVMAP news release

Protect Yourself From Mosquitos As Populations Are Expected To Rise

Extensive water spreading due to high runoff conditions has increased the number of biting mosquitoes in our communities.  Recently we have been finding excessive numbers of Culex tarsalis, or Western Encephalitis Mosquitos, in our traps during routine surveillance.  These mosquitos are of public health concern as they spread several types of encephalitis, including West Nile Virus.  No disease has been detected in local mosquitos yet, but is has been detected in Reno as well as 5 California Counties that border Inyo County.

Helo 2

The Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement crew

In addition, we expect the Aedes melanimon population to increase. Aedes do not carry human disease in the Eastern Sierra, however they are aggressive and one of the species that causes the most complaints from the public.

Crews continue to aggressively treat mosquito breeding areas and our local communities to reduce numbers of these insects, but the public should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.  Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts when you are outside particularly in the morning and evening hours.

Of the products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and some Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Para-Menthane-Diol products provide longer-lasting protection.

More information on mosquitos and mosquito prevention can be found on the Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program’s Facebook site or on the Mosquito and Vector Control Association on California’s website at www.MVCAC.org  

Please report mosquito problems to the Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program by calling: (760) 873-7853.

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MOSQUITO FOGGING EVENT: BISHOP, BIG PINE, OLD MAMMOTH.

Mosquito control ULV fogging applications will be performed east of Bishop in the Van Loon area on Thursday August 15th. Fogging applications will also be made in the tract housing areas north of Big Pine and in the community of Old Mammoth on Friday, August 16th. Crews will be using truck mounted fogging equipment to control excessive adult mosquitoes.  

Fogging operations are planned to start around 4:00 a.m. and be finished by 6:30 a.m., depending on weather. If it is too windy or temperatures are too cold, fogging is not effective and will need to be postponed.  

Extensive water spreading due to high runoff conditions has increased the number of biting mosquitoes in our communities.  Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts when you are outside, particularly in the morning and evening hours. To prevent bites, the California Department of Public Health recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or Para-menthane-diol (PMD). Look for one of these ingredients on the front or back of repellent containers. Products with a higher percentage of an active ingredient will work longer to protect you. Please read and follow label directions before applying repellents.

Please report any mosquito problems to the Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program by calling (760) 873-7853 or visiting inyomonoagriculture.com.

Visit us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OVMAP/  to get the latest information about mosquitoes in the Owens Valley. 

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