The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health is planning an aerial larvicide drop over regional waterways Wednesday night.
The larvicide targets mosquito larvae and kills them before they grow into adult mosquitoes.
The county says that the deployment is not related to recent Zika-related ground sprayings in the Grant Hill, Normal Heights, Mount Hope and South Park neighborhoods. It is part of the county's ongoing West Nile virus prevention measures.
The larvicide dropping targets 48 local waterways including ponds, rivers and wetlands. It is solid and cereal-sized and contains a bacterium that is harmless to humans and pets. Larvicide is dropped nearly once a month during mosquito season.
According to the county, five residents have tested positive for West Nile this year. Forty five residents tested positive for the virus last year, but 44 of them were confirmed after mid-September.
To better protect yourself from the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses, clean common mosquito nesting grounds around your home like plant saucers, rain gutters, garbage cans, old tires and wheelbarrows.
Mosquito fish are also available for free from the county, and can be used to control mosquito population in water sources around your home such as swimming pools, ponds and fountains.
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Insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 are most effective, according to the county.
More information on West Nile virus can be found at the countyโs Fight the Bite website.