SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.– The Santa Clara County Parks Department has confirmed that the rectangular blocks of an unknown substance found in a watering trough at Santa Teresa County Park on August 10, 2016, is an organic pesticide routinely used by Santa Clara County Vector Control District.
The material is used to eliminate mosquito larvae in standing water such as animal drinking troughs, catch basins, fish ponds, water gardens and other natural and man-made water locations that may attract mosquitoes.
Park Resource Technicians, who were on site and concerned that the substance resembled rodent bait, drained and dried out the water trough, then immediately reported the incident to authorities and notified the public through the media.
The Parks Department erred on the side of public and wildlife safety to be diligent in protecting park visitors and animals.