Workers with Douglas County's weed control department will be doing their part to stave off the spread of West Nile virus by dropping pellets into any infested water they might encounter.
County Manager Dan Holler said it was an effective use of county employees who are in the field on a daily basis, spraying noxious weeds throughout the county.
The county roads crew will soon be trained to add the pellets in the catch basins that they maintain, according to Community Development Director Mitch Dion.
Mosquito Control Officer Ron Lynch has been fogging and pelleting Douglas County's mosquito abatement district all summer.
Holler applauded Lynch's work and recognizes that Douglas County's efforts are small in comparison, but believes that every little bit can help to stop the spread of West Nile.
"They'll be able to address the problems immediately and on site, without having to contact Mosquito Control," Holler said.
Lynch gave Weed Control Coordinator Larry Hughes a few tips on what to watch for, and where to drop the pellets, which contain S-Methoprene, an insect growth regulator that eradicates mosquito larvae in water, Hughes has four seasonal workers and Lynch employs two part-time workers for Douglas County's mosquito abatement area, 106 square miles primarily in Carson Valley.
"Because of West Nile, Douglas County has given me money to take care of areas outside the mosquito abatement area," Lynch said. "I appreciate their cooperation."
Mosquitoes prefer to breed in stagnant or slowly-moving water, Lynch said.
"I found a kayak and a canoe with water in the bottom. Both were loaded with mosquito larvae," he said. "And the hotter it gets, the faster they grow. It takes 10 days from egg to active mosquito in hot weather and 15 days when it gets cooler."
The solution is tipping the boats to remove the water, Lynch said.
County efforts are important, but just part of the solution. Residents play an important role in eradicating mosquitoes and controlling spread of West Nile by destroying any breeding sites around their homes, according to information from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The following is a set of guidelines, published by the Agency.
• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
• Contact reporter Susie Vasquez at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
By the numbers
West Nile human cases in Nevada
Statewide total from July-August 2006: 84
Carson City: 5
Lyon County: 11
Douglas County: 14
Churchill: 6
Washoe County: 8
Humboldt County: 14
Elko County: 15
Statewide total from July-October 2005: 30
Carson City: 2
Lyon County: 1
Douglas County: 3
Churchill: 1
Washoe County: 1
Humboldt County: 8
Elko County: 1