Flood channel regularly treated for mosquitoes

VECTOR CONTROL

The flood channel that runs through Leisure World along Golden Rain Road is regularly treated by Orange County Vector Control with larvicide to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.

The channel was last treated on March 24. The active ingredient in the treatment is a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which only affects the larvae of mosquitoes, blackflies, and fungus gnats, according to OC Vector spokesperson Brian Brannon.

Currently, the channel is treated on an as-needed basis, Brannon said, “but once mosquito season gets into full swing, we will have a team of seasonal employees that will come out and treat the channel every 10-14 days.”

This year has seen a surge in mosquito activity due to heavy winter rains and warmer weather. The surge is

OC Vector crews regularly spray larvicide in the flood channel to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.

Ruth Osborn fueled by invasive Aedes aegypti (“ankle-biters”) that breed in tiny amounts of water and bite aggressively during the day.

“We are seeing five times as many mosquitoes at this time of year over the five-year average,” Brannon told CBS News in late February. “There’s a lot of mosquito breeding going on right now.”

Residents are encouraged to empty sources of standing water, an action that can dramatically reduce mosquito populations. Beyond the nuisance, mosquitoes can cause sickness and death through disease agents they can carry, including Zika and West Nile virus.

Common sources of standing water include rain gutters, overflow saucers on flower pots, water bowls for pets, fountains and birdbaths, open trash bins, buckets, barrels and low-lying areas.

To prevent mosquito bites, practice the following:

• Wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering one’s home or space; repair broken or damaged screens.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outside at dawn and dusk.

• Dump standing water at least once a week.

• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls.

For more information, visit www.ocvector.org.