Ground spraying has been the primary weapon of choice for the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District so far, and a recent spray saw a large area in and around Escalon treated, during the evening hours of Tuesday, July 8.

“The District will continue to implement the California Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance and Response Plan to protect the public health and welfare. Spray locations and times will normally be available 24 hours in advance,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer for the District.

Recent human cases of West Nile were reported in neighboring Stanislaus County, and residents here are being advised to continue taking precautions against mosquitoes, ranging from getting rid of standing water on your property to making sure to use insect repellant when outdoors.

Devencenzi also said residents that may not have gotten free mosquitofish for use on their property during the June 25 giveaway day at the Escalon Community Center can contact the district office at (209) 982-4675 and make arrangements to have some delivered to them.

“Call the office, we will take their number and name down and deliver directly to them,” Devencenzi said, noting that the numbers were down by several dozen people between the giveaway days in Manteca-Lathrop, Ripon and Escalon so they want to make sure that everyone who needs the mosquitofish gets them.

This week’s spraying covered the rural area north to Dodds Road, south to Lone Tree and Dutra, east to Cometa Road and Victory Avenue and west to Escalon-Bellota Road.

Earlier ground spraying, July 1, was done in the northern part of the city’s rural area, north to Dodds, south to Lone Tree, east to Steinegul and west to Escalon-Bellota.

Devencenzi said the spraying operations are a response to “increased adult mosquito populations and/or the detection of West Nile Virus” in the area.

Aerial spraying has been done in the area of Ripon south to the Stanislaus River and west to Airport Way, as well as in the West Delta Area and a portion of the South Tracy area.

Residents can access spray information and scheduled spray locations by calling the District at (209) 982-4675 or toll-free at 1-800-300-4675 during business hours from 7 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by visiting the District’s website on-line at www.sjmosquito.org.