HAYWARD, Calif.- On August 27, an invasive mosquito, Aedes aegypti, was detected in the Altamont Creek neighborhood of northeastern Livermore. After inspecting properties in the area, District staff will apply a mosquito-specific larval treatment on September 5th to prevent additional adults from emerging. 

Application details: 

·    Insecticide: VectoBac WDG 

·    Active ingredient: Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis sub-species israelensis) 

·    Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soil, and it produces crystal shaped proteins which kills only the larval stage of mosquitoes, black flies and midges. It is non-toxic and non-pathogenic to humans, birds, fish, mammals and beneficial insects (e.g., pollinators). 

·    Method: Truck-mounted ultra-low volume sprayer 

·    Date & Time: September 5 (weather permitting), 3:00–5:00 a.m. 

·    Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during these hours. 

·    Location: Area between Tiffany Common and Owl Way, bounded by N Vasco Rd and Hawk St (see map below). 

·    Additional details: The treatment may leave a light residue, but it will wash away with water, and it is safe to drain into the sewer. 

Aedes aegypti is an invasive and dangerous mosquito that lays eggs in containers, with larvae hatching in standing water. Mosquitoes cannot complete their life cycle without standing water, therefore treating the water is the best and most convenient way to prevent future mosquitoes. By treating water sources—especially hidden ones, also known as “cryptic” sources, like garden tools, toys, tarps, and pots—the District can make water inhospitable to mosquitoes while keeping it safe for people, pets, and wildlife. 

Field Operations Supervisor Joseph Huston stated, “We have made concerted efforts to access properties in and around the detection sites of this mosquito. The access granted by many residents has been a great help; however, there are numerous properties we have not been able to access. In an effort to control the spread of this invasive mosquito, we will be performing a wide area larval control treatment operation. The goal is to get material that will kill larvae up and over buildings and into cryptic sources we are unable to access.”

Community cooperation is essential for effective mosquito control. 

·    Report mosquito activity in your neighborhood to the District. 

·    Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, including outdoor containers, plants, unmaintained swimming pools, and other hidden sources. 

·    Protect yourself by wearing long, loose clothing, using insect repellent in mosquito-prone areas, and maintaining window screens. 

The District is committed to its mission and continues to conduct adult mosquito surveillance and larval control efforts throughout Alameda county.

The area between Tiffany Common and Owl Way, bounded by N Vasco Rd and Hawk St in dark gray is the treatment zone.