Aerial Mosquito Larvicide Applications

helicopter used in aerial larvicide applications

To better protect our communities and the environment, the Vector Control Program (VCP) applies mosquito larvicide via helicopter to mosquito breeding areas that cannot be treated by hand.  These aerial applications occur every three to four weeks during the mosquito breeding season, generally April to October, or as needed.

The granular larvicides used by the Vector Control Program act specifically on mosquito larvae and will not harm people, pets, plants, or wildlife. The larvicide consists of granules containing Lysinibacillus (Bacillus) sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, and/or Saccharopolyspora spinosa products.  These naturally occurring bacteria target mosquito larvae and prevent them from developing into biting adults.

Larvicides Used for Control of Mosquito Larvae:

2023 Aerial Larvicide Application Schedule

  • April 26
  • May 17 and May 18
  • June 7 and June 8
  • June 28 and June 29
  • July 19 and July 20
  • August 9 and August 10
  • August 30 and August 31
  • September 20 and September 21

Please note, aerial larvicide application dates are subject to change depending on conditions.

If you would like to sign up to receive e-mail notifications of scheduled aerial applications, you can subscribe here

Aerial Larvicide Fact Sheet

Name of Site City Acres
Kit Carson Park Escondido 8
Lake Hodges Escondido 20
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course Rancho Bernardo 4
Rancho Bernardo Lakes, Salviatia Rancho Bernardo 2
Rancho Bernardo Lakes, Bel Etage Rancho Bernardo 8
Rainsford's Pond/Old Course Rd San Diego/4S Ranch 5
The Landing Rancho Bernardo 2
Goldentop Road Rancho Santa Fe 2
San Dieguito River - Bing Crosby Rancho Santa Fe 4
Watson Ranch San Diego 5
Lusardi Pond Rancho Santa Fe 38
Sabre Springs San Diego 16
Lindo Lake Lakeside 4
Cactus County Park Lakeside 8
San Diego River - Town Center Santee 24
Carlton Oaks Santee 16
Willowbrook Lakeside 40
Sycamore Creek Santee 8
Chubb Lane Santee 20
Lake Kumeyaay San Diego 32
San Diego River - near Home Depot San Diego 12
San Diego River - Qualcomm Way San Diego 20
Salt Creek Chula Vista / San Diego 8
Otay River, Broadway / Beyer Chula Vista / San Diego 34
Chula Vista - Hollister Street Chula Vista / San Diego 48
Otay River, West Hwy 805 Chula Vista / San Diego 44
Otay River, East Hwy 805 Chula Vista / San Diego 36
Dairy Mart Road San Diego 70
Swap Meet San Diego 16
Tijuana River, Hollister San Diego 52
Carmel Creek San Diego 52
Peñasquitos Lagoon San Diego 112
San Diego Polo Grounds San Diego 50
Derby Downs San Diego 20
San Elijo Lagoon, East Encinitas / Solana Beach 92
San Elijo Lagoon, West Encinitas / Solana Beach 16
Las Olas, East Rancho Santa Fe Rd Carlsbad 8
Las Olas, West Rancho Santa Fe Rd Carlsbad 8
Laguna Riviera City Park Carlsbad 44
Evan's Point Carlsbad 8
Buena Vista Lagoon Oceanside / Carlsbad 112
San Luis Rey River, West Capistrano Pk Oceanside 3
San Luis Rey River, East Capistrano Pk Oceanside 1
San Luis Rey River, West Douglas Dr Oceanside 42
Huula Dr. Oceanside 3
Foss Lake Oceanside 38
Libby Lake Oceanside 2
Talone Lake Oceanside 24
Guajome County Park Oceanside 34
Antique Gas Oceanside 10
Lake Rancho Viejo  Fallbrook 12

Total: Up to 51 Locations & approx. 1297 Acres
 


Questions?

  (858) 694-2888

  vector@sdcounty.ca.gov