Vector control officials in Eastvale and Lake Elsinore will conduct aerial anti-mosquito spraying via remote-controlled drones next week in Eastvale and Lake Elsinore to eradicate growing infestations that pose a potential risk to public health.
The Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District has scheduled “Unmanned Aerial System” insecticide treatments on Tuesday morning along the Eastvale Community Park Trail, north of the Santa Ana River wash, south of Riverwalk Park, east of Dearborn Street and west of Hertz Place.
The district is planning UAS anti-mosquito operations around the same time throughout the ecological preserve on the southern edge of Lake Elsinore, near Summerly Community Park.
Unlike with low-volume insecticide spraying from trucks, the drones have to be operated in daylight hours. Specific times may vary Tuesday morning.
“These treatments will be performed by FAA-certified pilots, meeting all safety requirements,” according to a district statement.
No West Nile virus infections have been documented in Riverside County, nor anywhere else in California, so far this year. In 2024, a total 151 infections — including six in Riverside County — were recorded statewide, according to the California Department of Public Health. There were a dozen WNV- related deaths throughout the state, one of which was in Riverside County.
Mosquitoes typically become carriers of the virus after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans. Those at greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms may never materialize, but include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans May to October. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes, residents are urged to:
— spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move;
— wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts during outdoor activity in mosquito-prone areas;
— use insect repellent;
— ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and
— get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.
Further information is available at northwestmvcd.org/.
