Mosquito Spraying Planned In Orange County Cities

FULLERTON, CA - Nearly 4,000 homes in Fullerton will be protected from mosquitoes this week, following a significant increase in West Nile virus detection in Fullerton, the OC Vector Control agency has said. The truck-mounted pesticide spraying was scheduled to start on Thursday.

"The pesticide application will cover 3,989 properties in the city," Lora Young of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District said.

One spraying will cover Gilbert and Euclid streets, north of Orangethorpe Avenue up to West Valencia Drive, Young said. A second spraying will cover West Commonwealth and West Malvern avenues, west of North Woods Avenue.

From Aug. 24 through Sept. 28, there were 29 positive samples of WNV among mosquitoes in Fullerton, and two people tested positive for the virus, Young said.

In the areas that the district plans to spray from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, 27 of the 29 samples were found, Young said. One of the people who tested positive for the virus resides in that area, she added.

In the past, the pesticide applications have stirred controversy among some residents in Orange County, but Young said the district this time will be using DeltaGard, which is a water-based pesticide, and that it will be "severely diluted."

Local laboratory tests have shown the pesticide to be effective, Young said. It's the district's first time using DeltaGard, which she said is considered safe for people, pets and will not harm the finishes on cars or homes.
DeltaGard has gone through several regulatory checks by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to the state EPA and the county's agricultural department, Young said.

"We're accountable to the county agricultural department to report usage and to comply with label rates and safety standards," she said.

Officials have not been able to pinpoint a specific reason for the increase in West Nile virus activity in Fullerton, Young said.

"It could be a number of small backyard sources contributing to that," she said.

Residents are encouraged to eliminate any standing water around structures, install or repair screens on windows and doors, and wear insect repellent.

How to avoid mosquitoes near your home, according to OC Vector Control

• Reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535 when outside during periods of mosquito activity.
• Ensure your window screens are in good condition.
• Residents should also regularly inspect the yard for standing water;
• If standing water is found, tip out the water and inspect for leaks and puddling water in your yard.

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