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New Aedes (Asian tiger) mosquito and vector-control options discussed at Corrales council meeting
Summary
Dr. Paul Sandival told the council Corrales now faces an established Aedes (Asian tiger) mosquito that carries Zika, dengue and encephalitic viruses; he described larvicide use and the tradeoffs of broad-area spraying and committed to provide public notices while the county and city pilots are evaluated.
Dr. Paul Sandival, addressing the Village of Corrales council, said an aggressive Aedes (Asian tiger) mosquito has been present locally for about a year and a half and “once she's here, she does not leave.” Sandival described the insect’s distinctive striped appearance and warned it can carry Zika, dengue and several forms of encephalitis.
On control options, Sandival explained the county is considering broad-area liquid larvicide applications similar to a treatment Albuquerque has deployed; the product is a bacterial larvicide (Bti) used in “dunks” for standing water and in liquid form for large-area applications. He told the council the larvicide “doesn't cause any problems with people or animals” when applied according to label directions.
Councilors and residents raised concerns about the public reaction to truck-based spraying that can disperse material into yards and onto vehicles, neighborhood no-spray signs, and impacts on pollinators. Counc. Knight asked how no-spray requests would be honored at night; Sandival said crews avoid marked no-spray areas and the program has a mapped approach to exclude those parcels. County staff said applications are typically timed between midnight and sunrise in the region, which reduces exposure to daytime pollinators.
A resident asked whether the new mosquito is attracted to blue lights; Sandival said he does not have a clear answer. The council asked for a public-service announcement; staff asked Sandival to provide text and to send it to Melanie Romero, the village clerk, for distribution on the village website and in the mayor's message.
The village and county are monitoring Albuquerque’s pilot results before adopting similar large-scale approaches; Sandival said the program and tactics will continue to evolve as more data become available.
Next steps: Sandival will provide materials for a public notice; village staff will post information and guidance for residents and coordinate no-spray preferences.
