Hoping to stop the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes, Los Angeles County vector-control officials sprayed pesticide in the Watts area early this morning.
The spraying, which was done from a truck, was from 3 to 5 a.m. in an area between Graham Avenue and Beach Street, from Century Boulevard to 95th Street. There are 82 properties in the affected neighborhood, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
Vector-control officials said the pesticide—AquaDuet—is not harmful to people or pets, and will not affect the finishes on cars or homes.
The spraying is being done in response to increased presence of Aedes mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. They can also pass dog heartworms to other pets.
Authorities stressed there have been no local outbreaks of the illnesses in the county, but the presence of the mosquitoes increases the risk.
Vector-control officials urged residents to take steps to control mosquito populations on their properties, particularly by removing standing water in gutters, barrels, discarded tires or other areas that can hold water.
