West Nile virus detection prompts mosquito control measures in La Quinta

Government
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Jon McMillen Manager | City of La Quinta

June 20, 2024 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeremy Wittie, General Manager (760) 399-6941 jwittie@cvmosquito.org

Spanish media contact: Fernando Gutierrez, Community Liaison (760) 541-2023 fgutierrez@cvmosquito.org

Coachella Valley, CA: The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is scheduling adult mosquito control applications in La Quinta due to increased West Nile Virus activity in the area. The District will carry out truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) applications to decrease the number of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of virus transmission to people.

Mosquito control applications are scheduled in the following area:

La Quinta

Where: The application area is within the boundaries of Airport Blvd (north), Avenue 62 (south), Madison St. (west), and Monroe St. (east).

When: June 22-24, from 1 am-7 am, weather permitting.

A map of the area can be viewed on our website.

To ensure maximum impact of the adult mosquito control operation, the District requests that residents in the application areas remain inside while trucks are going down their streets. Signs will be posted along the route informing residents of the control efforts. All control products used by the District are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The products are applied according to label instructions by trained and certified technicians. Although mosquito control pesticides and techniques pose low risks, the District recommends that people who want to avoid exposure stay inside or away from the application area during and for 30 minutes following the application.

For more information about scheduled applications, visit the District’s website.

No human cases of WNV have been reported in Coachella Valley in 2024. It is imperative that residents continue to wear insect repellent when outdoors to reduce mosquito-borne virus transmission risk. The District recommends EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least thirty percent of an active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535—not essential oils. Additionally, residents can dump and drain any standing water around their homes to reduce potential mosquito breeding sources.

Prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes around your home:

• Don’t go outside around dawn and dusk when these mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear insect repellent with EPA registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

• Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

• Check lawn drains for water and debris; clean drains regularly.

• Prevent irrigation run-off to street-side catch basins.

• Inspect yards for standing water sources.

• Drain water that collects under potted plants, bird baths, tires, and other containers.

• Clean pet dishes and water features weekly.

• Ensure swimming pools, ponds, and fountains have working pumps and regular maintenance.

About West Nile Virus: WNV spreads when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. The mosquito then can become a carrier and transmit the virus to people.