Health District – Vector Borne Disease Program to conduct aerial larviciding starting May 5

Apr 29, 2021

April 29, 2021. Reno/Sparks, Nev. The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) – Vector Borne Disease Program (VBD) will be conducting aerial larviciding applications beginning May 5, 2021. Aerial treatment will begin in the North Valleys and end in the southern portion of Washoe County covering over 1,000 acres.

Aerial larviciding applications are a key component to prevent West Nile Virus and creating a safer recreational environment for residents and visitors to Washoe County and the Truckee Meadows region. The main source of West Nile Virus transmission to humans is from mosquitoes.

Aerial larviciding is environmentally friendly and targets mosquito larvae in the water to inhibit their ability to become biting adults. Larviciding is specific to mosquito species and other black fly larva that are commonly found in mosquito breeding habitats and has no adverse effects to other animals and humans in those areas.

Aerial larviciding applications take place in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, which includes wetlands and other water sources adjacent to public access, housing, and population sources. Specific areas to be targeted are North Valleys, Swan Lake, Double Diamond/Damonte area and Washoe Lake.

Check the WCHD – VBD website for more information on mosquito treatment, source reduction, preventative measures, and live updates.