Officials say the drones are much more cost-effective than helicopters.

We are at that time of year when mosquitoes are out and about biting people.

Northern Nevada Public Health is using a new tool to try and get rid of them.

On Wednesday in Washoe Valley, you may have seen a drone flying around. While they can serve a multitude of purposes, this one was helping to get rid of mosquitoes.

"The drone product is new for this year," said Will Lumpkin, Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Northern Nevada Public Health. 

For about 30 years, NNPH has used helicopters for this treatment.

Now, they have this drone to add to their arsenals and it does come with its own perks.

"The difference is cost," Lumpkin said. "We can target smaller areas more efficiently and more often."

The drone can carry up to 100 pounds of product, and cover 10 acres per hour.

They are prohibited from flying it over homes and will only use it over wetlands.

The pellets they are dropping target the younger mosquito larvae before they become biting adults.

Mosquitoes can be annoying for a lot of people.

"I don't like them," said Marielle Valverde, local resident. "Like everyone else. I don't think anyone likes them."

"It'd be great if we could mitigate and get rid of most of them so we can enjoy the great outdoors more," said Jessica Rhoda, local resident.

While the bites can be irritating and itchy, mosquitoes can carry disease, like West Nile Virus.

The dangers of these illnesses spreading is why they like to get the mosquitoes when they're in younger stages.

"If we control the larvae population first, it prevents the adults from emerging and then spreading that virus through the community," Lumpkin said.

Once the pellets are dropped, they check the bodies of water to make sure the larvae are dead.

This mission was in the Washoe Valley area, but they'll hit Stead, Spanish Springs, North Valleys, and Damonte Ranch.

Wetlands are typically where mosquitoes like to hang out, particularly in early morning and nights.

So, if you're around water like those, make sure you're wearing long sleeves, pants, and using bug spray.