San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District officials are requesting residents to do their part and prevent mosquito development around properties. The week of April 19 through 25 is being observed as ‘California Mosquito And Vector Control Awareness Week.’
“Realizing everyone is doing their part to shelter in place, and following the most recent rain event, this is an excellent opportunity to inspect your property for mosquito breeding sources. Dump and drain standing water and tip and toss containers,” said Eddie Lucchesi, Manager of the District. “As the weather warms, the District’s staff is working to keep mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease under control.”
Officials noted that, with the recent rains followed by warmer temperatures, mosquitoes will soon begin to hatch and bite. West Nile virus (WNV) is endemic to San Joaquin County. With the issues surrounding the current pandemic of COVID-19, be sure to remember the risks associated with WNV. COVID-19 is not known to be transmitted by mosquitoes.
While the District is doing its part to follow recommendations by State and Federal governments during this pandemic, they are also still working to prevent mosquito-borne disease. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) were found during the summer of 2019 in the west Stockton area. These daytime biting mosquitoes are being closely monitored. They can spread quickly from the original site where they were first found and currently are considered a nuisance mosquito. This species is known to be a viable carrier of several mosquito-borne diseases. These diseases include Zika, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever.
The District’s mosquito control activities include: making recommendations to property owners on methods to reduce mosquito breeding conditions; educating the public on mosquito prevention techniques, including the use of repellents; introducing mosquitofish to ponds, ditches, and other aquatic sites; and spraying areas where mosquitoes are found.
To learn more about mosquito and vector control activities in San Joaquin County, go to the District’s website at www.sjmosquito.org. To request District service, call 209-982-4675, 1-800-300-4675, or visit www.sjmosquito.org. Follow them on Facebook @SJmosquitoandvector for more tips and information.
