The Riverside County Vector Control Program will conduct a mosquito pesticide-spraying operation in Hemet next week.
According to the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, the spraying will be conducted from 4 to 7 a.m. Tuesday in the area of west Thornton Avenue, west of South Cawston Avenue, north of Mustang Way and east of Warren Road. The operation was prompted by a recent positive West Nile virus mosquito test sample.
The pesticide will be applied using truck-mounted sprayers, with the goal of reducing the number of adult mosquitoes. The spraying will be done with the Environmental Protection Agency-approved Aqua-Reslin. Officials said the ultra-low volume ground application will pose low to no risk to the public.
However, to minimize exposure, residents in the area were advised to remain indoors along with their pets, and keep windows closed during and for 15 minutes following the application.
The amount of material sprayed is 0.5 ounces per acre, which ensures that humans, animals, and crops are safe, according to the county. Signs will be posted along the route informing residents of the control efforts.
Residents with questions about the application were encouraged to contact the vector control office at 951-766-9454.