In response to a burgeoning mosquito population in Orange County, health officials have rolled out a tech-savvy solution: pest-combatting drones. Recent rains have left Southern California primed for a mosquito season predicted to be the harshest in years.
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Inspector, Mike DuBose, revealed mosquito numbers are already “more than double” in certain locations compared to prior seasons. He underscored the effectiveness of the drones in rural areas, while reassuring they won’t be operating in residential zones.
DuBose shed light on the drone-targeted regions, describing them as “very sensitive” and environmentally important areas, such as the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Upper Newport Bay. The bird nesting season presents added complications.
DuBose stated, “We can’t just simply walk into areas and disturb nests. For this reason, we can target those areas that we can’t easily walk into.”
The drones’ payload consists of a natural soil bacterium, weighing 20 pounds, which can be dispersed over watery habitats to deal with mosquito larvae preemptively. DuBose emphasized the specificity of the bacterial chemical: “It controls the mosquito larvae without impacting other aquatic organisms.”
As the drones go to work, DuBose encourages Orange County residents to play their part by eradicating standing water in their properties, a thriving environment for mosquito larvae. These high-tech and community-driven joint efforts are aimed at mitigating the forewarned intense mosquito season.
Photo courtesy of KTLA.
