Grant targets Ridge mosquitoes

The North Valley Community Foundation has granted $310,434 to the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District (BCMVCD) to fight the mosquito population on the Ridge.

After the Camp Fire, new mosquito-breeding sources became prevalent on vacated properties, including in stagnant swimming pools, septic tanks, ponds and miscellaneous containers. Butte County mosquitoes commonly carry West Nile virus and other diseases, such as encephalitis.

BCMVCD District Manager Matt Ball (pictured) said in a press release that the grant, awarded through the Butte Strong Fund, will allow the district to increase staff, plant more mosquito fish and purchase supplies such as insecticides to treat mosquito-breeding grounds.