FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2021
September 2, 2021
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
Email: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
INVASIVE MOSQUITOES SPREAD TO NEW AREAS WHILE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS CONTINUES
–Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes this Labor Day Weekend
Elk Grove, Ca.— Labor Day is the last holiday of the summer, however mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus continue for all area residents. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reminds the public to protect themselves from mosquitoes, especially as many will be enjoying outdoor activities for the long holiday weekend. This season, virus activity has been steady and widespread in both counties and to date, 127 mosquito samples and 89 dead birds have tested positive. “We still have a few weeks before the summer season officially ends, so it’s very important for everyone to do their part and stay protected, especially as we head into the holiday weekend,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager.
While West Nile virus is the main concern in our area, the invasive mosquito, Aedes aegypti continues to spread to new areas. This week, invasive mosquitoes were discovered for the first time in Elk Grove and Orangevale. These are new detection sites along with the known areas in Arden-Arcade in Sacramento County and the city of Winters in Yolo County. Invasive mosquitoes are a public health threat because they are capable of transmitting debilitating diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. This year, invasive mosquitoes were first detected in May, much earlier than previous years when initial detections did not come until later in the season. “We are heading into the time of year when these mosquitoes are most active and we need your help to control them,” added Goodman.
Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that lay eggs above water in small containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, bird baths, tin cans, tires and other containers as small as a bottle cap that are commonly found in backyards. The public plays a key role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito because their behavior makes them very difficult to find. “Your assistance is critical! If you are being bitten throughout the day or notice more mosquitoes in your yard, please give the District a call to request a free inspection,” indicated Goodman. All residents are also urged to inspect their yards daily and drain all sources of stagnant water. Invasive mosquitoes were discovered for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights and have since been spreading to new areas.
In response to the new detections, the District will enhance surveillance efforts by setting up additional traps in the surrounding area to assess the spread of the infestation. Field technicians will conduct door to door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites, conduct appropriate treatments as necessary and talk to residents about preventive measures around their home.
To report a mosquito breeding source or for current information about any treatments planned within Sacramento or Yolo Counties please call 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code.
2021 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 88 mosquito samples and 86 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 39 mosquito samples and 3 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date
–Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes this Labor Day Weekend
Elk Grove, Ca.— Labor Day is the last holiday of the summer, however mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus continue for all area residents. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reminds the public to protect themselves from mosquitoes, especially as many will be enjoying outdoor activities for the long holiday weekend. This season, virus activity has been steady and widespread in both counties and to date, 127 mosquito samples and 89 dead birds have tested positive. “We still have a few weeks before the summer season officially ends, so it’s very important for everyone to do their part and stay protected, especially as we head into the holiday weekend,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager.
While West Nile virus is the main concern in our area, the invasive mosquito, Aedes aegypti continues to spread to new areas. This week, invasive mosquitoes were discovered for the first time in Elk Grove and Orangevale. These are new detection sites along with the known areas in Arden-Arcade in Sacramento County and the city of Winters in Yolo County. Invasive mosquitoes are a public health threat because they are capable of transmitting debilitating diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. This year, invasive mosquitoes were first detected in May, much earlier than previous years when initial detections did not come until later in the season. “We are heading into the time of year when these mosquitoes are most active and we need your help to control them,” added Goodman.
Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that lay eggs above water in small containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, bird baths, tin cans, tires and other containers as small as a bottle cap that are commonly found in backyards. The public plays a key role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito because their behavior makes them very difficult to find. “Your assistance is critical! If you are being bitten throughout the day or notice more mosquitoes in your yard, please give the District a call to request a free inspection,” indicated Goodman. All residents are also urged to inspect their yards daily and drain all sources of stagnant water. Invasive mosquitoes were discovered for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights and have since been spreading to new areas.
In response to the new detections, the District will enhance surveillance efforts by setting up additional traps in the surrounding area to assess the spread of the infestation. Field technicians will conduct door to door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites, conduct appropriate treatments as necessary and talk to residents about preventive measures around their home.
To report a mosquito breeding source or for current information about any treatments planned within Sacramento or Yolo Counties please call 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code.
2021 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 88 mosquito samples and 86 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 39 mosquito samples and 3 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date
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
