More Murrieta Mosquitoes Prompt Another Spraying In Town

MURRIETA, CA -- Due to the high number of mosquitos and complaints from the public, the Riverside County Vector Control Program has scheduled ultra-low volume ground applications using truck-mounted sprayers to reduce the number of adult mosquitos. The treatment will cover 4 acres and is bordered by Ivy Street to the Northwest, New Clay Street to the Southwest, Manista Way to the Southeast, and Washington Avenue to the Northeast. See map below- treatment area is shaded gray.

The application of EPA approved mosquito control product Zenivex (EPA Reg No 2724-807) is scheduled for Wednesday (7/26) from 5:00 to 7:00 a.m.

All products used are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purpose of controlling mosquitos and protecting public health. The products are applied according to label instructions by trained and certified technicians. Although the products pose very low to no risk, some people may prefer to avoid exposure. To minimize exposure, residents and pets should remain indoors and keep windows closed during and for 15 minutes following ground application. The amount of material sprayed is three ounces per acre, which ensures that humans, animals and crops are safe. Signs will be posted Monday (July 24) along the route informing residents of the control efforts.

• Apply Insect Repellent. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under three years of age.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. Dawn and dusk are peak biting times for many mosquitos. If mosquitos are biting you during the daytime hours, please mention that when you call our office because it might help identify the species of mosquito in your area.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from skin.
• Mosquito-Proof Your Home. Drain Standing Water. Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places for mosquitos to breed by draining/discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty and scrub out any unused flowerpots and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths, livestock troughs and pet bowls at least weekly, scrubbing thoroughly before refilling.
• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Please call the vector control office at 951-766-9454 if you have any questions, would like to report a mosquito problem in your area or to request mosquito larvae eating fish. You may also visit our website www.rivcoeh.org/Programs/vector or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCountyEH/ for more information.

-- SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: Riverside County Department of Environmental Health / Image via Shutterstock