April 20th, 2021
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
SPRING 2021 “FIGHT THE BITE” CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Elk Grove, CA. — As part of Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces the winners of the 2021 annual “Fight the Bite” Contest for students in grades K-12. In an effort to teach children about the importance of mosquito control and prevention, the contest encourages kids to use art and submit a drawing that promotes the Fight the Bite theme to inspire everyone to prevent mosquitoes by practicing key messages such as draining standing water from containers commonly found in the backyard and using mosquito repellent to prevent bites especially if spending time outdoors. This year as part of the District’s 75th anniversary, participants had the option of including the tagline Celebrating 75 Years of Protecting our Community as part of their entry. “The children are very talented and creative. We’re happy to know they can use art to convey important mosquito prevention messages,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. As temperatures increase and mosquito populations become more abundant, it’s important for both children and adults to do everything they can to stay protected.”, added Goodman. While West Nile virus activity has not been detected to date, an invasive mosquito was recently found in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 and last year they continued to be detected in different areas of Sacramento and Yolo counties.
For the Fight the bite Contest students were divided into three grade categories: K-3, 4-6 and 7-12. Entries were based on: creativity, originality and the ability to effectively communicate one or more of the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the first place winners will not be able to receive a surprise visit in their classroom; however they will still obtain a certificate of participation and a cash prize. The school of each winning student will also be awarded a gift certificate to be used on educational materials. Winning artwork will be featured on the District website and social media.
First place winners are:
K-3 Amar Jain from Helen Carr Castello Elementary
4-6 Kate Brennan from Phoebe Hearst Elementary
7-12 Madelynn Lee from Toby Johnson Middle School
*To view all the winning entries please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:
DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.
DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call us at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
