In wake of Zika virus, Clovis preps for mosquito season

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With the summer fast approaching, mosquito control workers are trying to cut down the population before they multiply on you and your family.

In neighborhoods all around Clovis, families are getting ready for another hot, itchy summer.

Once you get bit, there is not much to do," Clovis resident Josie Wall explained. You're bit."

The city is prepared too.

"We try to spray around bushes, the front yard make sure the kids are safe," Clovis resident Mindy Snider said. "You never know what they might be carrying."

Abatement workers are kicking off two new programs that target the Aedes Aegypti mosquito -- a species that can spread several life-threatening diseases including the Zika Virus.

The techniques, the methods have to change because, clearly, the threat continues to evolve," said Karl Peterson with Consolidated Mosquito Control.

The 122 homes in the Braden Court Community will serve as a test ground for 40,000 sterile male mosquitos that will be released.

These insects will have received special treatment so when they breed with the females no new mosquitos will hatch.

"Essentially what we are trying to do with this field test is stop the mosquito larvae that are laid from developing into adult mosquitos," Peterson explained.

Notices will also be left at every house in the development.

Experts plan to work hand-in-hand with neighbors to try and eliminate any possible mosquito habitats.

These are control strategies many families say they already practice.

"The big thing is making sure there is no standing water," Wall said. "We don't keep the dog dish out with water, we make sure the planters don't have trays full of water."

Workers say that kind of cooperation from neighbors is the key to successful elimination.

"Without that our job can't be done very effectively," Peterson said.