Anti-mosquito spraying scheduled in El Monte

Two insecticide-spraying operations are scheduled to take place in El Monte to reduce mosquitoes and the diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue that they carry, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Wednesday.

Truck-mounted spraying is set for Friday and Monday between midnight and 5 a.m. in the area between Buffington Road and San Gabriel River trail, south of Rio Hondo Parkway and north of Ranchito Street, according to the district. Thursday is serving as a possible alternate date.

“The district will use ultra-low volume adulticide and low volume larvicide applications to target mosquitoes at multiple stages to control the population and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease,” according to a district statement.

The insecticide to be used in the treatments will be Aquaduet, which contains the active ingredients Sumithrin and Prallethrin that mimic the properties of chrysanthemum flowers. The district’s crew will also spray VectoBac WDG, which contains a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils.

Unfavorable weather conditions or operational delays could postpone or delay the spraying operation.

As mosquito activity increases, officials advised residents to help reduce the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses:

• clear out standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water longer than one week;
• properly maintain swimming pools, spas and ponds;
• replace the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers at least weekly; and
• report neglected swimming pools to the vector control district.

To prevent mosquito bites:

• apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply as recommended on the label.
• use repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
• wear long pants and shirts that are loosely fitted, light-colored and long-sleeved.

More information about the anti-mosquito operation in El Monte is at PublicHealthMosquito.org. The SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District is available at 626-814-9466, SGVmosquito.org and via social media.