207 - From mission planning to efficacy assessment, a review of Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District’s aerial ultra-low volume adult mosquito control program

Abstract: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has a long history of responding to West Nile virus activity and high adult mosquito abundance through the use of ultra-low volume (ULV) treatments using fixed-wing aircraft. These public health applications are conducted over a diverse range of geographic locations including agricultural settings such as conventional and organic rice, wetlands, and densely populated urban areas. Several factors drive whether Sac-Yolo MVCD conducts an aerial ULV spray mission including: mosquito abundance, detection of West Nile virus activity, proximity to population centers, and weather. The selection of adulticides is based on the season, area where they will be applied, and proven efficacy. Here, we will present and discuss all aspects of the Sac-Yolo MVCD aerial ULV program, starting with the factors that trigger an aerial ULV mission in both urban and rural areas, methods used to build spray blocks and application mechanics, and lastly, an evaluation of aerial ULV application efficacy and resistance management.