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Focus On Prevention For Mosquito Awareness Week
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San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is asking the public to be aware of standing water around their property.

“For mosquitoes, any standing water in large containers to plastic bottle caps is suitable for mosquito development,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District. “As temperatures increase with intermittent rains, mosquito populations will begin to thrive. The District is asking people to diligently remove any standing water on a weekly basis. In addition, we are asking that daytime biting mosquitoes be reported to the District.”

There are two different invasive Aedes mosquito species moving their way through California. Aedes aegypti commonly called the yellow fever mosquito and Aedes albopictus, commonly called the Asian tiger mosquito, are potential carriers of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Primarily established in southern and central areas of California, Aedes aegypti were found in Merced County in September of 2017. Early detection is key. If the District is able to detect the invasive Aedes mosquitoes early, there is higher chance to contain or possibly eradicate the population.

“Although we have other mosquito species that biting during the day, we are asking the public to call in daytime biting mosquitoes to the District,” Devencenzi reiterated.

West Nile virus is endemic to most of California and San Joaquin County. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce your risk of WNV infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by taking these precautions:

Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.

Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or Picaridin when outdoors, according to label instructions.

Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset.

When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.

Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight fitting screens on doors and windows.

Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.

Report daytime biting mosquitoes or significant mosquito infestations to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675.

Report dead birds to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov.

For additional information, request service, and/or to sign up for the District’s spray notification system, go to www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675.