Mosquito Time: Bring On the Chopper

There’s a buzz in the air, which means it’s mosquito season again in Santee.

The San Diego County Vector Control Program will be conducting its first aerial drop of mosquito larvicide for the 2013 mosquito season on Thursday, April 18th  at various sites along the San Diego River. The larvicide used in these aerial drops is specific to mosquito larvae, and will not affect other wildlife or people.

These drops will occur in area wetlands to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of West Nile virus. Mosquitos are monitored and tested for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases throughout the season.

Cases of West Nile virus peak during warm summer months, and human symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands. If you believe you have these symptoms, contact your health-care provider.

Urban Corps Removing Invasive Plant from River

Crews from the San Diego Urban Corps have been working over the past month to remove a non-native invasive plant called water primrose from the San Diego River.

Although the yellow flowers and green leaves of the water primrose (Ludwigia hexapetala) seem harmless, this native of South America grows in thick mats that slow the river’s flow, reduce the water’s dissolved oxygen level and raise the water temperature. The vine-like plant also provides excellent habitat for mosquito larvae.

The Urban Corps crew, which has focused on removing water primrose along the Mission Creek/Mast Park section of the river, will be working through early December.

Urban Corps is a locally based nonprofit organization that provides a high school education and job training to at-risk youth and disadvantaged young adults from ages 18 to 25.

The primrose removal will hopefully result in fewer mosquitoes buzzing the neighborhoods along the river next summer.

The project was made possible by a grant of nearly $50,000 from the County Department of Environmental Health, Vector Control Division.