Due to recent positive West Nile virus mosquito test sample results, the Riverside County Vector Control Program has scheduled an ultra-low volume ground application using truck-mounted sprayers to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. The treatment occured within the city of Moreno Valley, near Heacock Street and Parkland Avenue, in the morning hours of Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The area, totaling 402 acres, is bordered by Parkland Avenue to the north, Heacock Street to the east, Rowe Drive to the south, and Pigeon Pass to the west.
The application of EPA approved mosquito control product Aqua-Reslin (EPA Reg No 432-796) was scheduled for Wednesday (10/25) between the hours of 4:00am and 7:00am. The product used is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The product is applied according to label instructions by trained and certified technicians. Although the product poses 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 0.5 ounces per acre, which ensures that humans, animals, and crops are safe. Signs will be posted Friday (10/20/2023) along the route informing residents of the control efforts.
In addition, Vector Control staff are intensifying mosquito surveillance, searching for breeding sites, and conducting larval control where appropriate. Residents of Riverside County can take the following actions to help eliminate mosquitoes from their community.
- Apply insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, to clothes and exposed skin according to label instructions. Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting. It is important to follow EPA and CDC guidelines for the safe use of repellents on children.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants, especially if outside at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus are most active.
- Install screens on windows and doors and maintain them in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old tires, buckets, pet dishes, and trash cans. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in very small amounts of standing water.
- Repair leaking faucets and broken sprinklers that can contribute to standing water around your home.
- Clean rain gutters clogged with leaves, which can also contribute to standing water.
Please call the vector control office at (951) 766-9454 if you have any questions. For additional information on protecting yourself and your community from mosquitoes, visit Riverside County Environmental Health Vector Control Mosquito Surveillance and Treatment webpage.