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1. Who is responsible for mosquito spraying / fogging in Menlo Park?

The San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) handles mosquito control for all of San Mateo County, including the 20 independent cities plus all unincorporated County areas. It is an independent special district, which is a type of local government entity that delivers specific services to citizens within its boundaries (similar to the Menlo Park Fire Control District). The District’s mission is, “To safeguard the health and comfort of the citizens of San Mateo County through a planned program to monitor and reduce mosquitoes and other vectors." The District is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of one resident from each city. The District can be reached at 650-344-8592 or online at www.smcmvcd.org.

2. What will trigger mosquito spraying / fogging?

If West Nile virus is detected in the community, the District’s initial response will be to intensify its efforts to locate and reduce mosquito breeding sites, increase its levels of larvaciding in those areas in which West Nile virus has been found, and increase trapping of adult mosquitoes for disease testing. Reducing the adult mosquito population with pesticides (adulticides) registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be done if necessary to prevent human illness or to suppress a heavy nuisance infestation of mosquitoes. The decision to spray, by truck mounted sprayers, will be based on surveillance information or the documentation of West Nile virus activity at a level that indicates a threat to human health. Spraying will be concentrated in areas most at risk for disease occurrence and will be conducted by certified and licensed applicators. The District’s aggressive campaign against mosquito larvae is intended to minimize the need to use adulticides.

3. What pesticides are used by the District for controlling adult mosquitoes?

When necessary, the District may use ground application of pesticides to kill adult mosquitoes that pose a health risk to the residents of San Mateo County. In the case of adulticiding, or targeting adult mosquitoes, they would use botanical insecticides (plant derived compounds) or synthetic versions of that include pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids, as well as piperonyl butoxide. All of the products they use are registered with the EPA and applied according to label directions by their trained and certified technicians.

4. What risks are there to the residents of San Mateo County, including Menlo Park, from the pesticides?

The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve very small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment. There is no need to relocate during the spraying.

5. Where will the spraying / fogging take place?

The spraying will take place in areas of concern, as determined by the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s mosquito and disease surveillance programs. Their trained and certified technicians use a variety of surveillance techniques and treatment criteria to ensure effective mosquito control with the least amount of risk to our residents and our environment. The District’s website will also show a map of the spray zone. You can visit the District’s website at

www.smcmvcd.org

6. What risks are there to the environment from the pesticides that are used for mosquito abatement?

The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.

7. Are the insecticides exclusive to mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus?

No. The pesticides chosen by the District are used to target a variety of mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile Virus as well as other diseases.

8. Should I or other residents take steps to reduce exposure to the pesticides used during mosquito control spraying / fogging?

Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions. All of the products used by the District are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for controlling mosquitoes and protecting the public.

Although mosquito control pesticides pose very low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or even further minimize exposure. People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or breathing conditions such as asthma can reduce their potential for exposure by staying indoors during the application period and may want to consult their physician or local health department for more information.

9. Should those who are pregnant be concerned or take extra precautions during the mosquito spraying / fogging?

According to the District, there are no special precautions needed for pregnant women. As always, if you have medical concerns you should consult your physician.

10. Will the spraying / fogging for adult mosquitoes affect pets?

Pesticides used for adult mosquito control do not affect pets. The ultra-low-volume (ULV) application rates have a significant margin of safety for mammals, birds, fish and reptiles.

11. Will the spraying / fogging for adult mosquitoes affect local honey bees?

Although the pesticides used for adult mosquito control may be toxic to bees, at the ultra-low-volume (ULV) application rates and the fact that they are applied late at night when honey bees are normally in their hives, there should be no exposure or impact to local honeybees.

12. Will the spraying / fogging for adult mosquitoes affect my lawn furniture, play equipment, toys, and garden plants?

There is nothing you need to do in response to the District’s spraying for adult mosquitoes. Pesticides used by the District for control of adult mosquitoes have a half-life of 1.5 days in water and 4.4 days in soil. The pesticide molecule rapidly degrades in sunlight at the soil and water surface into its constituent’s elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. Additionally, it should not affect car paints or other painted surfaces.

13. Will the spraying / fogging for adult mosquitoes affect fruits and vegetables?

The pesticides we used by the District pose little risk to people or the environment and are labeled to spray over crops. These materials have been used extensively throughout the county in mosquito control programs for decades with no evidence to suggest harm to people, or fruits and vegetables. For garden fruits and vegetables, as when brought home from the store, a normal washing with water before consumption is suggested.

14. Where can I get additional information regarding specific insecticides used by the District?

Inquiries concerning pesticides can be directed to the EPA (visit: http://www.epa.gov ). More information can also be found at the National Pesticide Information Center – NPIC (http://npic.orst.edu) or by calling toll free 1-800 858-7378. The District also posts information on their website at

www.smcmvcd.org

15. How can I receive information about spraying / fogging for adult mosquitoes?

For more information and to sign-up for mosquito spraying / fogging alerts, please visit the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District's website at

www.smcmvcd.org