Mosquitoes, female mosquitoes specifically, can bite people and if infected, that mosquito can spread bacteria or viruses that can make people sick, sometimes very sick. That's why the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has been working for almost 100 years to fight the bite — to reduce the risk of mosquitoes to protect public health. And for over nearly 100 years, the District has looked to innovation to help protect public health.

The work to stop mosquitoes starts when mosquitoes are very young because they can develop from egg to adult in very little water. Removing sources of water or using appropriate control methods can reduce the risk of mosquitoes. For years, the only way to deal with areas that have large amounts of water like pastures and agricultural fields where rainwater or intentional flooding can create large areas of nutrient-rich water — was for District employees to spend hours walking back and forth on large water-logged fields looking for signs of mosquitoes. Today; however, innovation has created a solution — Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles, or as they're commonly known, drones.

How Drones are Used to Protect Public Health

Drones are being used by an increasing number of public health agencies, including the District, to visually inspect large agricultural areas as well as environmentally sensitive areas without potentially impacting those locations. Wetlands and other hard-to-reach places take just minutes to inspect with a drone rather than hours on foot when possible. And drones can be used for more than inspecting. They can be used for treatment as well.

When applying appropriate public health pesticides by drone, studies have shown, that drone application is completed much faster, more precisely, and can focus treatment on very specific locations.

It's important to know the District only uses drones in public areas such as fields, wetlands, and parks at times when people are not present. The District does not use drones in residential areas.

How You Can Help Protect Public Health and Become Certified to Pilot a Drone

The District currently has job openings for Vector Control Technicians and one of the required certifications is that the employee obtains a drone pilot's license within the first year of employment. The benefit of obtaining and maintaining a drone pilot's license is you would be personally licensed and able to use that license to perform work to protect public health and to use a personal drone on your own time. Check out the District's Employment Opportunities for more information.

Innovation comes in all shapes and sizes. Right now, the use of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles, or drones is helping the District protect public health in more efficient and innovative ways.