Anti-Mosquito Drones Take Flight Over Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The war on mosquitoes gained a new weapon this week in Santa Clara County as drones took to the skies to target larvae in marshlands and other remote areas across the region.

The Board of Supervisors greenlit the new program last month to better control mosquito populations, reducing the risk of West Nile virus and other diseases carried by the insects. Officials said deploying drones helps teams treat difficult terrain, reduces impacts on the ecosystem, and allows them to target breeding grounds with more accuracy.

"The Vector Control District's new drone program will protect not only public health but also our staff and the surrounding environment," said Edgar Nolasco, director of the county's Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency. "Applying larvicide with drones is precise and effective and minimizes disruption to the ecosystem along the Bay."

Officials across the Golden State are warning residents that this year's mosquito season may be particularly fierce, due in large part to California's historic winter storms and likely flooding resulting from snowmelt. The insects thrive in standing water, from buckets and plant saucers to pools and ponds. Flooding can create more opportunities.

"After an exceptionally rainy winter, Santa Clara County has a surplus of stagnant water, creating ample breeding sources for mosquitoes," officials warned Monday. "As a result, the District strongly encourages county residents to eliminate any sources of stagnant water on their properties."

Among the diseases mosquitoes can carry, the West Nile virus is a chief concern, infecting thousands in California and contributing to nearly 400 deaths since 2003. While many people who are infected do not develop symptoms, others may experience flu-like illness, and people with compromised immune systems are at high risk for serious or deadly effects.

Mosquitoes tend to be most active in the summer and fall. In addition to the new drones, vector control teams deploy trucks to spray mist containing EPA-approved insecticides and regularly inspect area marshes, basins, curbs and creeks. The drone program will focus on larvae, targeting populations before they become fully developed.

There are a few ways residents can pitch in, too.

"Mosquito control is a community effort," Nolasco said. "To protect yourselves and your neighbors from mosquito-borne diseases, we encourage you to regularly check your property for sources of standing water and remove them."

Here are a few tips for tending to the home:

• Inspect for standing water on a weekly basis.
• Drain or turn over anything that can hold water, such as flowerpots, planter bases, pet dishes, buckets and old tires.
• Clean items like bird baths and pet bowls once a week to remove mosquito eggs.
• Clear debris from rain gutters on a regular basis to allow water to flow.
• Properly screen rain barrels, cisterns and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access.
• Fix leaky water faucets and broken sprinkler heads and avoid overwatering lawns and plants.
• Ensure swimming pool water levels are adequate for proper circulation and filtration.

Residents who think they have identified a potential breeding ground can contact vector control for assistance by e-mail, an online form, or by calling 408-918-4770. The county can also provide fish that feed on larvae to help manage ponds and other standing water sources.