San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District officials urge mosquito prevention now to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease later.

“Last year in San Joaquin County, the mosquito species capable of carrying West Nile virus (WNV) reached record high numbers since 2008,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District. “Since recent rains and warmer days, removing standing water will help prevent large mosquito populations.”

During California West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control District Awareness Week, April 17 through 23, everyone can do their part to prevent mosquito development. Simple actions like removing standing water from outdoor buckets and containers along with repairing leaking faucets and broken sprinklers reduce mosquito development. Properly dispose of old tires or keep them in a dry area. Often forgotten, rain gutters clogged with leaves hold water and need to be cleaned. If you or your neighbor has a neglected swimming pool, call the District for mosquito prevention help.

To learn more about mosquito and vector control activities in San Joaquin County, go to the District’s website at www.sjmosquito.org.

The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District provides services to the residents and visitors of San Joaquin County, as well as the cities of Escalon, Lathrop, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, and Tracy. The District is responsible for mosquito and vector control, surveillance of West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases, as well as public education programs to help residents protect themselves from disease. The District advocates safe, effective and environmentally friendly methods of mosquito and vector control.

In response to an increase in mosquito populations, the District will expand surveillance and control of local mosquito populations on all private and public lands within San Joaquin County.