LAKEPORT
Lake County Vector Control to combat Spring mosquitoes with drone treatment
To prevent a surge of biting mosquitoes this spring, the Lake County Vector Control District will conduct a targeted aerial treatment of marshlands near Clear Lake.
Starting Monday, March 10, weather permitting, a black and white drone, about 6 to 8 feet wide, will fly low over areas between Clear Lake State Park and Lakeport, including parts of S-Bar-S Ranch, Scotts Valley, Lyons Creek, Bridge Arbor, and Upper Lake. Residents in these areas may see or hear the drone during daylight hours.
Why is this happening?
The District’s winter monitoring found a large number of mosquito larvae in these wetlands. These larvae, a type called Aedes increpitus, hatch from eggs laid in the mud and are known for their aggressive biting in the spring.
What is being used?
The District will use VectoPrime FG, a safe and effective biological larvicide. It contains a natural soil bacterium (Bti) and (S)-methoprene, which target mosquito larvae without harming fish, plants, animals, or other insects. The product is applied as granules, minimizing drift.
Is it safe?
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved VectoPrime FG. It breaks down quickly in nature, leaving no lasting residue. The District prioritizes using the safest products available.
Where can I find more information?
- For the treatment date and any changes, visit the District’s website: www.lcvcd.org
- To request the VectoPrime FG product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS), visit the website or call (707) 263-4770.
- For more information on West Nile virus, visit: http://westnile.ca.gov/
- For mosquito repellent information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html
This drone treatment follows a larger aerial treatment with a crop duster plane on February 25, designed to target wider areas. Both methods help reduce the need for adult mosquito control later.
About Lake County Vector Control District:
The Lake County Vector Control District is dedicated to protecting public health by controlling mosquito populations and preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Learn more at www.LCVCD.org.
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CLEARLAKE
Road ordinance prioritizes public safety
Thanks to Measure V funding, Clearlake has made historic progress in improving roads, giving residents, businesses, and visitors smoother, safer streets. Ordinance 277-2024 ensures the improvements aren’t reversed by uncoordinated utility work that damages newly paved roads and creates safety hazards. By outlining clear standards for road restoration and utility coordination, the ordinance helps protect taxpayer investments, preventing unnecessary repairs also paid by taxpayers.
In addition to safeguarding infrastructure, the ordinance prioritizes public safety by preventing hazards during utility construction and ensuring roads are returned to their original condition. By complying with modern installation standards and guidelines for excavation, repairs, and emergency coordination, the drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Clearlake will have access to safe, durable roads for years to come.
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CLEARLAKE
Ordinance a key toward safer, more fire-resilient community
The City has faced significant wildfire disasters in recent years which destroyed over 230 homes, including the Sulphur Fire (2017), Cache Fire (2021), and Boyles Fire (2024). Reports from the Boyles Fire showed some hydrants lacked sufficient pressure, delaying firefighting efforts. It is critical that all hydrants function properly to protect homes, medical and health facilities and businesses during another wildfire.
To enhance fire protection and emergency response, Clearlake adopted ordinance 275-2024, a key step toward a safer, more fire-resilient community. The ordinance requires regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of all fire hydrants to provide firefighters with reliable water pressure and flow to protect lives and property. The ordinance establishes a citywide standard requiring annual hydrant inspections, flow tests every five years, and color-coded hydrant markings for faster emergency response for Lake County Fire Protection District.
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