Are you ready for tonight's aerial spraying?

West Nile Virus outbreak prompts insecticide spraying in Sacramento and Elk Grove

By Debbie Arrington

The sprayers are coming. That means special precautions will be needed for residents in large sections of Sacramento and Elk Grove on Monday and Tuesday nights, July 23 and 24.

An outbreak of West Nile Virus has prompted plans to aerial spray for mosquitoes between 8 p.m. and midnight Monday and Tuesday, weather permitting, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. Totaling about 41,000 acres, the spraying will cover Elk Grove, Sacramento's Pocket/Greenhaven area and other neighborhoods south of Fruitridge Road (see map above).

As of Friday, 67 dead birds and 142 mosquito samples from Sacramento County -- mostly concentrated in the spray area -- have tested positive for the deadly West Nile Virus. 

According to longtime organic gardening expert Steven Zien,  the insecticides used in these aerial sprayings can be toxic to more than mosquitoes. 

"To protect your garden, family and pets, you might want to cover your gardens and landscapes so they are not exposed to these pesticides, especially if you are trying to have an organic garden," Zien posted on Facebook. "Consider keeping pets indoors, windows closed and prevent outside air to be circulated indoors (i.e. swamp cooler) and cover that equipment."

Harvest vegetables and fruit in the spray zone before tonight to avoid contamination. At a minimum, wash carefully all edibles harvested later in the spray zone.

According to the vector control, the insecticide Trumpet EC will be used in a low concentration that is not harmful to people or pets. But as a precaution, keep pets and children inside Monday and Tuesday evening. Empty and cover birdbaths. Fish also may be susceptible; cover koi ponds if possible.

Be on the lookout for mosquitoes. Empty any standing water, such as in pot saucers or other areas where moisture can collect.

Protect yourself, too. Avoid being outside during spray hours. When outside in early morning or at dusk, wear long sleeves and long pants as well as mosquito repellent.

Area residents may sign up for spraying alerts by texting "sprayupdate" to 69922. A live notification will be sent when spraying begins each night, said the vector district.
Learn more about the spraying at: https://www.fightthebite.net/spraying-update/