The San Benito County Vector Control program will begin
treatment of the area’s storm drains in late August. About 1,500
catch basins throughout the county will be treated with Altosid
briquettes, a biological larvicide that prevents mosquitoes from
hatching. The briquette is designed to provide a consistent slow
release of the larvicide to any water that is present in the storm
drain.
The San Benito County Vector Control program will begin treatment of the area’s storm drains in late August.
About 1,500 catch basins throughout the county will be treated with Altosid briquettes, a biological larvicide that prevents mosquitoes from hatching, according to a statement from the agriculture commissioner’s office.
The briquette is designed to provide a consistent slow release of the larvicide to any water that is present in the storm drain.
An initial treatment was done on storm drains this spring, and this follow-up treatment will help control mosquitoes for the rest of the summer.
The program, administered by the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, regularly treats areas throughout the summer where standing water is present. In addition to storm drains, the staff treats abandoned pools, storage of old tires and other areas where water collects.
Mosquitoes can infect people and wildlife with West Nile Virus, a disease that is now found in California. Dead birds are often an indication that West Nile Virus is active in the area. The virus has been found in 34 California counties, a 10 percent increase since last year. Residents can report dead birds to 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
Residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes by using an insect repellent that contains DEET, at dusk and dawn; draining or dumping any standing water on their property such as birdbaths and open containers; keeping household screens in good repair; and reporting abandoned swimming pools to Vector Control
Pools that have been abandoned and may be breeding grounds for mosquito larvae appear to be green in color.
For any questions on mosquito control or to report possible water sources such as green pools, call 637-5344.
