These parts of Studio City are being sprayed for mosquitoes after West Nile was found
These parts of Studio City are being sprayed for mosquitoes after West Nile was found
by City News Service
STUDIO CITY — The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District will treat parts of Studio City with an insecticide Thursday in response to the discovery of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in that community.
The truck-mounted mosquito control treatment is scheduled between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. between Colfax and Tujunga avenues, and between Moorpark Street and the Los Angeles River, and is aimed at decreasing the mosquito population and lowering the risk of potential disease transmission.
GLACVCD personnel will apply an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis — a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils. The product contains spores that produce proteins that specifically target and only affect the larvae of mosquitoes It poses no toxicity threat to people and pets and is certified for treatment of organic crops, according to a district statement.
The material is suspended in water, so the application will not harm the finishes on cars or homes, district officials said.
The GLACVCD also issued the following recommendations to reduce mosquito populations on residential properties:
- Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs, or anything that holds water for more than a week
- Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly
- Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds
- Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district
- Close or repair all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering a home
Follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites:
- Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply as recommended on the label
- Wear insect repellent containing CDC and EPA approved active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
All credit goes to City News Service Originally published on https://www.dailynews.com
