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Parts of Menlo Park will be sprayed for mosquitoes tonight (Aug. 11) to curb the spread of the West Nile virus, according to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Mosquitoes carrying the virus were detected in two areas within the 94025 zip code on Aug. 6, district officials said. The area to be treated with insecticide tonight is roughly bordered by University Drive to the north; Bay Laurel Drive to the east; Altschul Avenue and Sharon Road to the south; and Cam Al Lago to the west.
Trucks will start fogging at 9 p.m. tonight and finish by 5 a.m. tomorrow. The treatment may be repeated if the virus is found in mosquitoes collected after tonight’s spraying, according to the district. The fogging will only take place when wind speeds are below 10 miles per hour, according to district officials, to ensure that the insecticide remains within the targeted area.
Mosquitoes transmit the virus through biting. Although the primary hosts are birds, it can also infect people, horses and other animals. Any standing pools of water should be drained to help prevent mosquitoes from proliferating, and people should use repellent and make sure door screens fit tightly, the district advised.
“West Nile Virus is more prevalent this year in San Mateo County and throughout the Bay Area,” Nayer Zahiri, district laboratory director, said in a press release.
Contact the district at 344-8592 for more information or to request fogging in your area.
Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
By Sandy Brundage
By Sandy Brundage
By Sandy Brundage
Considering that 6 of the last 7 animals found with West Nile Virus are “American Crow”, it seems that it is time to address the growing crow problem in our neighborhood as well as the mosquitos. The crows were NOT here prior to about 2008, but they have become a serious problem in the last 6-7 years.
SEASONAL TOTAL OF WEST NILE VIRUS POSITIVE ANIMALS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY: http://www.smcmad.org/data/press_releases/2014/Seasonal_Total_2014.pdf
I’m not sure what a “crow problem” is and I really don’t want more pesticides, insecticides or other harmful sprays clogging up the already polluted air we have here – why do we? People problem – too many don’t demand or use public transportation, nearly every home uses gardeners, housekeepers, house construction, maintenance,etc. causing enormous traffic/vehicle emissions. Solve these problems first.
I remember running behind the DDT mosquito/spray truck when I was a kid. The mist was so refreshing. I guess science figured out that wasn’t so cool after all.
I agree w Beth that we should only use these chemicals when absolutely necessary. In this case, it may be warranted as West Nile Virus seems pretty serious. But, I wouldn’t jump to kill all the crows. Any bird can be a host, so then we need to kill all the birds?
Also, I think this should have been posted around town visibly. If it weren’t for one of my neighbors who is part of an email group, my entire rental apartment complex would have known nothing about it.
Central Menlo, glad you turned out OK! 🙂
Re; The “Crow” Problem…. I have lived here close to 25 years and there have always been crows in the pine trees lining our street. Crows might be bullies but they are an essential part of the eco-system. They eat much of the road kill around here, they eat insects and small snakes. It is important to understand the value of these birds before we advocate their elimination.
I agree with Beth, we should kill all of the crows too. I wonder if they could add a little something extra to the fog to take care of them.
That’s not funny “Jack”, Beth is right that housekeepers and gardener are the real problem. Focus on that and the crows will take care of themselves.
Ok, I did what Beth suggested and fogged a maintenance worker, but I think I still have crows and a housekeeper. Suggestions?
I think Beth was right. I was bit by a fogged mosquito last night and now have super powers, but I’m still awkward around the ladies. Also, I still have a gardener and housekeeper. Curse you radioactive fog!
I hope you’re happy Beth. All this mindless drivel about radioactive housekeepers (which I admit IS a problem), and no discussion in support of maintenance workers. Menlo houses have very old plumbing and I’m on a low fiber diet. I need my maintenance workers! Please folks, let’s not let the liberal media distort this critical issue. Beth is the only hope we have for truth and enlightenment.
Beth
You forgot nannies. All that driving the kids around to and from school, soccer practice, and orthodontic appointments causes unbelievable pollution in addition to the extra pollution caused by the now time free parent driving to tennis game, country club, spa and lunch.
The article does not state what they are spraying and what it kills or harms beyond mosquitos. No investigative reporting by this paper.
I spent all morning sweeping up crows and migrant farm workers. What do you have to say for yourself now Beth? Not cool. I’m going to the tennis spa.
Beth – this is weird, but they served crow at my country club today and it was DELICIOUS! I always thought it was just a figure of speech, but turns out eating crow is wonderful. Thank you Beth!