FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2023

Contact:  Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office:  916-405-2082 |  Cell:  916-416-6337
E-mail:  lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
 

INTENSE WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY PROMPTS AERIAL SPRAYING FOR WOODLAND AND DAVIS
–Spraying is scheduled for Sunday and Monday
 
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that aerial spraying for mosquitoes that carry the potentially fatal West Nile virus is scheduled for two consecutive nights on Sunday, August 6th and Monday, August 7th between 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm in the cities of Davis and Woodland in Yolo County. “After careful consideration and evaluation of laboratory results and mosquitoes that continue to test positive, we are moving forward with our plans for aerial spraying,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager.  Over the past few weeks the District has been closely monitoring both of these cities due to high mosquito populations and infection rates amongst birds and mosquitoes. “It is imperative that we act quickly to reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission to humans. Our top priority is protecting residents and the aerial treatments will reduce the number of infected mosquitoes that can pose a threat,” indicated Goodman.
 
“West Nile virus can cause serious illness and even death, especially in older persons and those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County’s Public Health Officer. “Aerial spraying kills mosquitoes, reduces human infections with West Nile virus, and saves human lives. Aerial spraying poses minimal risk to people or pets,” emphasized Sisson. “If you are especially concerned about chemicals, you may wish to stay inside with your windows and doors closed, but this is not necessary.”
 
Aerial spraying will take place over two areas. The Davis block is approximately 12,000 acres and the boundaries are from County Rd. 29 on the north to Slayback Ranch Ln on the south and from County Rd. 98 on the west to County Rd 105 on the east. The Woodland block is about 12,000 acres and the boundaries are from Churchill Downs Ave. on the north, to County Rd. 25A on the south and from County Rd. 96B on the west to County Rd. 103 on the east. Please refer to the map for more specific locations or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
 
Click to view interactive map

Aerial treatments will be made using Dibrom, an insecticide registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California EPA for use in mosquito control and routinely used throughout the United States to control mosquitoes.  While attempts are made to notify the public, the District may postpone, modify or cancel a scheduled application due to unfavorable conditions.
 
Residents can sign up for urban aerial spraying updates by texting “sprayupdate” to 69922 or view live updates on www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Messages will only be sent to subscribers when urban aerial spraying is scheduled, the morning of the first scheduled day, and a live notification when spraying begins and ends each day.  You may also sign up to receive email notifications by zip code. To sign up, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net and go to Spray Notifications. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website under Spraying Updates.

To see the most recent WNV activity map:
https://www.fightthebite.net/media/wnv-activity-map
 

 
Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention: 

DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes. 
DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.   
DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside. 
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent.  Make sure to follow label directions! 
DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net