Santa Clara County to Conduct Helicopter Mosquito Treatment in Palo Alto Baylands
The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District will initiate preventative mosquito treatment via helicopter on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 8 a.m. in the Palo Alto flood basin of the Baylands Nature Preserve. This annual effort, expected to last 6-8 hours, aims to control mosquito populations, weather permitting.
The treatment is a proactive measure taken by the district to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. According to the District’s News Advisory, the operation will focus on the flood basin area, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Temporary trail Closures Announced
Several trails within the baylands Nature Preserve will experience temporary closures during the treatment period. the Vector Control District has outlined the following affected areas:
- Site 1: Adobe Creek at the Mountain View pump station, impacting the trail junction connecting to Shoreline, San Antonio, and East Bayshore bike paths.
- Site 2: The road at the 3-way stop on Embarcadero Rd leading toward Byxbee Park. Access to the Palo Alto Airport, duck pond, and sail station will remain open.
- Site 3: The Marsh Front trail at the 3-way stop heading south.
- Site 4: The Embarcadero Way entrance adjacent to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
- Site 5: The Matadero creek entrance, located just north of the Municipal Services Center.
- Site 6: Ponds A and B, accessible from the East Bayshore Bike path.
- Site 7: faber place access onto the East Bayshore Bike Path.
- Site 8: The entrance to renzel Ponds and the ITT Property.
- Site 9: The Byxbee Park parking lot.
These closures are necessary to ensure public safety during the aerial request of treatment materials. Residents and visitors are advised to plan accordingly and seek option routes during the specified timeframe.
The Vector Control District encourages anyone seeking further facts to consult their official News Advisory. This preventative measure underscores the county’s commitment to public health and environmental stewardship within the Baylands nature Preserve.
Why: The Santa clara County Vector Control District is conducting preventative mosquito treatment to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes breed in the Palo Alto flood basin, making it a target area.
Who: The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is responsible for the treatment, utilizing a helicopter for aerial application. The treatment impacts residents and visitors of the Baylands Nature preserve.
What: The treatment involves the aerial application of materials to control mosquito populations within the Baylands Nature Preserve flood basin.Several trails will be temporarily closed during the 6-8 hour operation, scheduled for February 4, 2026, starting at 8 a.m.
How did it end?: The operation is scheduled to conclude after 6-8 hours,weather permitting. The Vector Control District advises residents to consult their News advisory for updates and encourages planning alternative routes during the closure period. The treatment is a preventative measure, and its success will be monitored through ongoing mosquito surveillance.
