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Protect Against Mosquito Infestations This Spring
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As temperatures increase following recent rains, mosquito populations are on the rise. San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is asking the public to remove all standing water around their property.

“Mosquitoes will take advantage of water in large containers like rain collection barrels and wheelbarrows to small containers with only a tablespoon of water,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District. “It only takes a tablespoon of water for mosquitoes to develop.”

During Mosquito Awareness Week in California, April 21 through 27, the District is taking the opportunity to remind the public of its services and mosquito prevention tips. In addition to dumping and draining water, they encourage the proper disposal of containers that are no longer useful. From neglected swimming pools, animal water troughs, water features, and ornamental ponds, the District recommends and encourages people to stock their mosquitofish. Mosquitofish can be obtained by picking them up at the District’s main office or delivered with no charge throughout San Joaquin County.

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 EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, according to label instructions, when outdoors. Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting.

▪ 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, loose-fitting 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, (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. Follow them on Facebook @SJmosquitoandvector for informative posts.