Los Banos, CA (October 7, 2025) — Residents across Los Banos, Santa Nella, and Merced have experienced intensified mosquito control operations in recent weeks, according to public updates distributed by the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District (MCMAD) through its official website, Facebook, and Next-door pages. The district reported that the large-scale ground spraying was part of a countywide initiative to reduce mosquito populations and curb the spread of West Nile virus following increased mosquito activity and confirmed virus detections throughout the region.
Between late September and early October, district technicians conducted multiple evening treatments within city limits. Ground spraying took place in Los Banos, Santa Nella, and Merced, along with additional service-request locations throughout the county. The most recent aerial treatments in Los Banos and Gustine were conducted on October 2, while operations in Atwater, Merced, and surrounding populated areas occurred on October 6. MCMAD confirmed through its public website that these aerial applications were performed using a twin-engine aircraft flying between 200 and 300 feet
Public advisories on the MCMAD website mention that the district also treated other parts of the county including Gustine, Hilmar, Winton, Livingston, and Dos Palos as part of its routine adult mosquito control schedule earlier in the season. Those applications were performed either by ground units or, in select cases, by aircraft under contract with VDCI Aerial Services. District officials noted through their w that all operations were weather-dependent and could be delayed if surface winds exceeded 10 miles per hour.
According to MCMAD’s social media and website, the district remains focused on protecting residents through environmentally responsible mosquito control efforts. Officials continue to encourage the public to check their properties for standing water, maintain pools, and avoid over-irrigation, noting that even small water sources can breed mosquitoes. The district added that visible results from treatments typically appear within several days and reminded residents to report mosquito activity or neglected pools online at mcmosquito.org or by calling (209) 722-1527.
As mosquito season continues, MCMAD will keep monitoring trap data and weather conditions to determine where future treatments are needed. Residents in Los Banos, Santa Nella, Merced, and surrounding communities are encouraged to stay informed through official updates and take precautions to prevent bites as part of the county’s ongoing effort to protect public health and reduce West Nile virus transmission.
Correction: This article was updated to reflect new information provided by Public Information Officer Adara Culpepper. The last aerial treatments in Los Banos and Gustine took place on October 2, 2025, not September 22 as previously stated.
