Our wet winter could easily translate into big mosquito season ahead of us here in Northern Nevada. So health officials are already mapping the storm drain system here and treating areas they feel will attract mosquitoes this year.Â
"We have mapped 20,000 sewer drains and we are treating them by bike," said Jeff Jeppson with Vector Control. "We are saving time getting to the drains on bikes and we're saving fuel. And really we're saving time too because we don't waste time parking and then walking. We can ride right up to them with GPS devices and check them and treat them if we need to."
The Zika virus has not been detected here. That's not to say it can't get here but officials say they are prepared.
"It's been detected in Las Vegas and a mosquito could hop a ride with a car or on a produce truck or something and get here but we don't think they could even survive here at our altitude," said Phil Ulibarri with the Washoe County Health District.
The department did purchase two special traps for the Zika mosquito they may need later in the year but for now they feel they have things under control. And they are asking all of us to take precautions to keep mosquitoes outside.Â
"A lot of our residents have water features in their yards. Just a few of these mosquito fish can take care of mosquito larvae with no pesticides," said Jeff Jeppson with Vector Control. They are currently breeding those fish and offering them for free.
They say use bug spray with DEETÂ in it. Also, wear long sleeves in the morning and the evening when the bugs are out and check to make sure you don't have any tears in your screens.
