Both aerial and ground spraying for mosquitoes is being done in and around the Escalon area, with positive samples of West Nile Virus mosquitoes collected over the past few weeks.

San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District Public Information Officer Aaron Devencenzi said that there were mosquitoes in three different traps that tested positive for the virus earlier this month and another four positive tests as recently as last week.

“We do testing in groups of 50 and we had four positive groups; there are a number of areas with positive mosquitoes,” Devencenzi explained of the latest collection and testing.

Recent spraying has been conducted in areas including Dodds Road, Lone Tree, Cometa, Victory, Steinegul and more.

Despite the increase in positive mosquito samples, there are steps residents can take to help prevent against contracting West Nile.

Using EPA registered repellents containing DEET or Picaridin are recommended to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Also, District officials recommend eliminating standing water and using mosquitofish in water troughs, neglected pools, and water features on your property. Residents should try to avoid being outdoors if mosquitoes are present. Loose fitting long sleeves and pants help prevent mosquito bites. To reduce mosquitoes indoors, maintain good tight fitting screens on windows and doors.

The District will also 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. People 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 online at www.sjmosquito.org.