El Dorado County Vector Control will begin its adulticiding control program for mosquitoes next week. This program involves fogging selected areas around South Lake Tahoe and the west shore to reduce populations of adult mosquitoes. These areas will be fogged early in the morning or in the evenings when wind conditions are at an optimum level. The ground fogging will be done with truck-mounted or ATV mounted sprayers.

The Environmental Management Department urges the public to take precautions to prevent West Nile virus.

“Prevention strategies include draining all sources of standing water and reporting dead birds and tree squirrels to the State West Nile virus hotline,” said Virginia Huber, division manager.

Birds are reservoirs for West Nile virus. Mosquitoes transmit the virus by biting an infected bird and then biting a person. Dead bird reports are the most sensitive and earliest indicator of West Nile virus transmission and can be reported to the state hotline at 877- WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

Huber recommends the following tips to prevent West Nile virus:

– Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.

– Dawn and dusk are times to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

– Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.

– Door and window screens should be in good working condition.

– Defend yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label instructions.

For more information, visit http://www.edcgov.us/emd or http://www.westnile.ca.gov. Information is also available on the El Dorado County West Nile Virus hotline at (530) 573-3405.