Mosquito surveillance conducted this week in Mohave Valley by the Mohave County Environmental Health Division (MCEHD) revealed the following locations that met the protocol to conduct fogging.  The MCEHD uses the CDC’s recommended matrix as a guide of when to fog.

FOGGING: Adult mosquito control application will begin on Thursday night August 6th around 8:00 pm, weather permitting.  Baron Pest Control was awarded the contract to provide fogging services within Mohave County and will be conducting the ground fogging application.

Areas in Mohave Valley to fog include:

•           South of Gordon Drive to East King Street, and east and west between Mohave Valley Drive and Green Valley Rd. Also South of King Street to Laurel Ln and east and west between Green Valley Rd and Carob Street.

•           South of Willow Road to Laguna Road and east and west between Mohave Valley Highway to Mountain View Road.  North of Willow to King St and east and west from Mountain View to Aquarius Dr.

The adulticide being used is MasterLine Kontrol 4-4.  According to the National Pesticide Information Center, this is an insecticide registered for use against mosquitoes made from pyrethrins.  Pyrethrins are insecticides that are derived from the extract of chrysanthemum flowers. Types of products that contain pyrethrins include indoor bug bombs, human head lice treatments, and pet flea sprays.

PRECAUTIONS: The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following steps to help reduce possible exposure to insecticides during spraying:

• Whenever possible, remain indoors with windows closed.
• You might consider turning off your air conditioning when spraying is taking place.
• If you are outdoors, avoid eye contact with the spray. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes immediately rinse them with water or eye drops.
• Your child’s health should not be affected by the low levels of pesticides used in mosquito control.  However, bring laundry and toys indoors before spraying begins and wash with soap and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.
• Bring your pets indoors, and cover ornamental fish ponds to avoid direct exposure.
• Cover swimming pool surfaces when it is feasible.  Special precautions or waiting periods are not usually necessary for outdoor swimming pools given the small concentrations of pesticides used.
• Wash exposed skin surfaces with soap and water if you come in contact with pesticide.
• Wash exposed fruits and vegetables, such as homegrown or purchased from an outside vendor, with water before storing, cooking, or eating them.
• There is no need to relocate during spraying, but consult a physician if you have a physical or psychological concerns regarding the spraying.
• If you think pesticides are making you sick, seek medical attention as necessary.

Individuals with questions about pesticides should call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 from 6:30 am – 4:30 pm PST.  The NPIC is staffed by trained pesticide specialists who have toxicology and environmental chemistry education and training needed to provide answers to pesticide questions.