The Washoe County Health District's Vector Borne Disease Program loads up a helicopter with pellets to abate area mosquito larvae.
“We are treating about 1,100 acres in Washoe County,” said Jim Shaffer with the district.
Wednesday's spray included Rosewood Lakes Golf Course, Lemmon Valley, Kiley Ranch, Red Hawk, South Meadows, Damonte Ranch and Washoe Valley.
Recent rain storms have brought a new problem: standing water.
“We had the summer rains which held water in areas that were not holding water,” said Shaffer.
Shaffer says it's simple. More water fell this summer-- especially in Spanish Springs causing an increase in the population-- leading to West Nile Virus.
In addition to wearing longer sleeves and DEET, it's important to check your screens.
“Homes or businesses, you should have screens on your windows because if you have them open, obviously you'll have mosquitoes fly in,” said Shaffer.
The next and final spray of the season is September 10.
If you notice increased mosquito activity, call the Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program at (775)785-4599 to investigate the source of the mosquitoes.
