FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2024

Contact:  Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office:  916-405-2082 |  Cell:  916-416-6337
E-mail:  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. “Tomorrow, 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 has already been detected in both dead birds and mosquito samples in Sacramento and Yolo counties. To date West Nile virus activity has been detected in Land Park, Elder Creek, and the Florin area in the city of Sacramento. Meanwhile, birds and mosquito samples have tested positive in Woodland, Dunnigan and Zamora in Yolo County. While this activity is lower than at this same time last year, we are experiencing an extreme heat wave 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.  To see a map of the latest WNV activity click on this link: https://www.fightthebite.net/media/wnv-activity-map
 
In response to the ongoing WNV activity, the District will continue surveillance efforts through testing of mosquito samples and dead bird reports as well as controlling adult mosquitoes with ground fogging in areas of concern.
 
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 them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net