Aerial spraying for mosquitoes set in Arden Arcade, Carmichael

Aerial spraying for mosquitoes is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday nights in the Arden Arcade and Carmichael areas, a step prompted by the increasing number of birds and mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus, authorities said.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced the planned aerial treatment Tuesday. The district confirmed that 11 new mosquito samples and nine dead birds have tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus.

The area targeted for aerial treatment covers approximately 15,000 acres north of the American River. The treatment will be made using Trumpet EC, an insecticide registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California EPA for use in mosquito control and routinely used through the United Sates to control mosquitoes, according to a district news release.

The aerial spraying is scheduled from approximately 8 p.m. to midnight each night. Officials said the spraying may be postponed, modified or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

“Over the past few weeks this has been an area of concern because many birds and mosquito samples have tested positive,” Gary Goodman, district manager, said in a written statement. “We need to take immediate action to reduce the risk of human infection.”

So far this year, 47 mosquito samples and 74 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Sacramento County, and one dead bird has tested positive in Yolo County, the district reported.

Residents can sign up for urban aerial spraying updates by texting “sprayupdate” to 31996. Messages will be sent to subscribers only when aerial spraying is scheduled, the morning of the first scheduled day, with a live notification when spraying begins and ends each day.

People also may sign up to receive email notifications by ZIP code. To sign up, visit the district’s website, www.fightthebite.net, and go to Spray Notifications. Information regarding planned treatments is also available on the district website under “spraying updates.”

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Aerial spraying for mosquitoes set in Arden Arcade, Carmichael."