In response to recent concerns raised by Yuma County residents, Yuma County Vector Control inspected six AgTech sites over the past two days and found no fly larvae at any of the locations during those inspections.

The inspected sites included two current application areas, two areas where applications had occurred within the previous two weeks, one truck wash-down area and one septic injection site. AgTech has been cooperative through this process. Vector Control staff were granted access to the properties and may return for routine inspections or follow-up visits as needed.

This winter’s combination of moisture and warmer temperatures created an ideal environment for pests like flies that breed on organic matter. Flies are a nuisance and have the potential to carry disease, which is why Yuma County Vector Control routinely conducts field and disease surveillance and works closely with state and local authorities to investigate reports and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

“Our priority is to proactively identify and mitigate any potential public health nuisance that may create an unsanitary condition,” said Chief Health Officer Diana Gomez. “There is no evidence of any disease outbreaks linked to this surge in fly activity. We want to remind the public of the importance of reporting any issues promptly.”

“Our disease surveillance network is strong locally and statewide, allowing us to identify and respond quickly to emerging health threats,” Gomez said. “We also have the Border Infectious Disease Surveillance System (BIDS) network to identify emerging health concerns along the border. Residents play an important role by alerting us to any environmental issues that may create a public health nuisance.”

Yuma County encourages residents to help reduce fly populations by practicing good sanitation and by identifying possible breeding sources early. These may include animal waste, decaying organic matter, improperly stored trash and other unsanitary conditions.

Yuma County Residents can help manage flies by:

• Picking up pet waste daily and placing it in sealed bags inside covered trash bins.

• Keeping garbage in tightly sealed containers.

• Cleaning up food and drink spills promptly.

• Avoiding the accumulation of trash or waste around the home.

• Making sure doors and windows close properly and screens are in good repair.

• Keeping compost bins covered and monitoring them closely, since manure and decaying plant material can become breeding sources.

To report potential breeding sites, residents may call Yuma County Vector Control at 928-317-4584 or the Yuma County Department of Development Services at 928-817-5000.

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