District responds with scheduled aerial and ground-based treatments

ROSEVILLE, Calif.  – Four additional mosquito samples tested positive for the West Nile virus in the rice-growing region of Placer County, with two samples collected east of Sheridan and Lincoln.

“These new findings indicate that West Nile virus continues to be a risk for residents in Placer County.” stated Joel Buettner, General Manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. “We believe that a combination of aerial and ground-based treatments will help control the adult mosquito populations that are at highest risk for spreading the virus.”

Because of high WNV activity in these areas, the District has scheduled the following treatments for August 20 in the following areas:

  • Aerial spray over rice fields west of Roseville to Locust Road, north of Baseline Road to Sunset Blvd West., between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Aerial spray over rice fields in Sheridan, north of Wise Road, between North Dowd Road and Placer Road., between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Ground-based truck-mounted spray in the extreme SW corner of Placer County (near Elverta) between 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Since several factors affect spraying activities, such as weather and wind conditions, the District encourages Placer residents to check the District website at www.placermosquito.org for any changes to the spraying schedule.

The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control advises the public to implement the 3 Ds of protection:

  • Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
  • Defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent and dressing protectively when outside, and making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
  • Contact the District for any additional help controlling mosquitoes around your home.

For more information, residents of Placer County may contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (888) 768-2343 or visit www.placermosquito.org.

2010 Placer County West Nile virus activity update:
3 dead birds, O sentinel chickens, 22 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus to date.

Contact: Ada Barros, Public Information Officer, (916) 380-5480, dab@placermosquito.org