In an ambitious public health strategy, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District will release 400,000 sterile male mosquitoes over 100 acres of South Natomas beginning July 8, targeting the spread of invasive Aedes mosquitoes, which are known to transmit Zika and dengue fever.

The initiative — recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — is part of a growing national strategy known as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This method suppresses mosquito populations by introducing non-biting, sterile male mosquitoes into areas of heavy mosquito breeding.

The initial target zone, South Natomas, has seen the highest Aedes mosquito activity in the region. If successful, the program may expand to other parts of Sacramento.

The method has already proven effective in Fresno County, where the consolidated mosquito district achieved over 98% mosquito suppression.

The release is expected to cost around $33,000, with mosquitoes purchased specifically for this program. Public officials are reminding residents that seeing more mosquitoes may be normal during the release window — but the males pose no threat.

Learn more or report mosquito concerns at comptoncreekmad.org