Posted on August 27, 2022

In response to detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes trapped in the City of Firebaugh, the District will be conducting ultra-low volume applications of adult mosquito control products via truck.  For questions, please contact the District at 559-659-2437, or e-mail District Manager Conlin Reis at creis@fresnowestmosquito.com.

The applications are scheduled to begin immediately after sunset (8:30 pm) but are subject to change depending on environmental conditions. The area of operation is expected to include the easternmost portion of the City of Firebaugh (Primarily between the Rodeo Grounds and Dunkle Park). This operational area is subject to change based upon field conditions, access, and the results of additional surveillance.

All products used are approved for public health applications and no special precautions by the public are required. If you wish to avoid direct exposure to the spray, please move inside after sunset or when the spray truck arrives. Technicians will drive through the treatment area prior to application to inform residents that may be outdoors.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and exposed to mosquito-borne viruses including SLEV or WNV, residents are urged to take the following precautions: 

• Drain all sources of standing water around your home.  Remove unnecessary objects from around your home that can potentially hold water. 
• Report observed sources of standing water (i.e. unmaintained swimming pools) and mosquito activity to the Fresno Westside Mosquito Abatement District (559) 659-2437 or at www.fresnowestmosquito.com.. 
• Irrigation water on farms and other lands should not be allowed to stand for more than four days.  
• Report dead birds to 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov. 
• Repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. 
• Wear long sleeves and pants if outdoors when mosquitoes are present. 
• Use a repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin or IR3535, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Always read and follow the repellent label instructions.
• Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when Culex mosquitoes are most active.  
• Stock mosquitofish in domestic water features, such as backyard ponds and horse troughs. The District will stock mosquitofish, at no cost, in water sources where they are likely to be effective.   

For more information on St Louis encephalitis virus: 

California Department of Public Health:  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/StLouisEncephalitisFactSheet.pdf

Center for Disease Control:  

https://www.cdc.gov/sle/

For more information on West Nile virus:

California Department of Public Health 

http://westnile.ca.gov/

Center for Disease Control:

https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html