FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2021
July 2, 2021
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
Email: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
FIGHT THE BITE!
— Protect yourself from mosquitoes this Fourth of July
Elk Grove, Ca. — Fireworks and outdoor activities are a great combination, but when you add mosquitoes into the mix, it can certainly ruin the fun! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District advises the public to stay protected from mosquitoes and West Nile virus during the 4th of July holiday. “This weekend, many will be participating in family BBQ’s and watching fireworks around dusk, a time when mosquitoes are looking to bite. We urge everyone to wear an effective repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. The Centers for Disease Control recommends using an insect repellent that contains the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or the plant based Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Always follow label directions when applying repellent.
West Nile virus activity was initially detected within the District in May in both dead birds and mosquito samples. To date 14 mosquito samples and 22 birds have tested positive in Sacramento County and one mosquito sample has tested positive for the virus in Yolo County. While this activity is low as compared to other more active years, we are approaching the hottest months of the year and this can quickly change. “Hot weather accelerates the lifecycle of a mosquito, so we expect to see an increase in mosquitoes and the risk for West Nile will also intensify,” indicated Goodman.
Another ongoing concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti. Invasive mosquitoes were detected for the first time in 2019 in Citrus Heights. This year, surveillance efforts have already detected invasive mosquitoes in the cities of Winters and Davis in Yolo County and in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
To report mosquito breeding sources or request a service, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
This 4th of July Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:
— Protect yourself from mosquitoes this Fourth of July
Elk Grove, Ca. — Fireworks and outdoor activities are a great combination, but when you add mosquitoes into the mix, it can certainly ruin the fun! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District advises the public to stay protected from mosquitoes and West Nile virus during the 4th of July holiday. “This weekend, many will be participating in family BBQ’s and watching fireworks around dusk, a time when mosquitoes are looking to bite. We urge everyone to wear an effective repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. The Centers for Disease Control recommends using an insect repellent that contains the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or the plant based Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Always follow label directions when applying repellent.
West Nile virus activity was initially detected within the District in May in both dead birds and mosquito samples. To date 14 mosquito samples and 22 birds have tested positive in Sacramento County and one mosquito sample has tested positive for the virus in Yolo County. While this activity is low as compared to other more active years, we are approaching the hottest months of the year and this can quickly change. “Hot weather accelerates the lifecycle of a mosquito, so we expect to see an increase in mosquitoes and the risk for West Nile will also intensify,” indicated Goodman.
Another ongoing concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti. Invasive mosquitoes were detected for the first time in 2019 in Citrus Heights. This year, surveillance efforts have already detected invasive mosquitoes in the cities of Winters and Davis in Yolo County and in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
To report mosquito breeding sources or request a service, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
This 4th of July 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
