FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2021
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
Email: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
INVASIVE MOSQUITOES DETECTED IN THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO
—Aedes aegypti are spreading throughout the District
Elk Grove, Ca. — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti has been found within the City of Sacramento. The detection occurred when a single female mosquito was caught by a trap set near Camelia Park in south Sacramento as part of the District’s ongoing surveillance program. The following day, more traps that were set in the vicinity led to additional findings of invasive mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have also been detected in Orangevale, Elk Grove and Arden-Arcade in Sacramento County as well as the City of Winters in Yolo County. “Finding these mosquitoes in a completely new area likely means they could possibly be established anywhere. We will continue to work diligently looking for and identifying locations where these mosquitoes could be breeding,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. Aedes aegypti are not native to California, however they are now permanently established in many areas throughout the State. “We are at the peak of the season for detecting invasive mosquitoes when they are very active,” added Goodman. Invasive mosquitoes are a public health threat because they are capable of transmitting debilitating diseases including Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Invasive mosquitoes were first discovered within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights.
In response to the new detection site, the District will enhance surveillance efforts by setting up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods to determine the scope of the infestation. Field technicians will conduct door to door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites and talking to residents about preventive measures they can employ around their home. “Mosquito control is a collaborative effort,” emphasized Goodman. “We need the support from all residents to drain all sources of stagnant water and ensure they are not breeding mosquitoes around their home,” he added.
Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that aggressively bite during the day and 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. 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.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately by calling 1-800-429-1022 or requesting service at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also sign up for email notifications to learn about mosquito control treatments in their zip code.
—Aedes aegypti are spreading throughout the District
Elk Grove, Ca. — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti has been found within the City of Sacramento. The detection occurred when a single female mosquito was caught by a trap set near Camelia Park in south Sacramento as part of the District’s ongoing surveillance program. The following day, more traps that were set in the vicinity led to additional findings of invasive mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have also been detected in Orangevale, Elk Grove and Arden-Arcade in Sacramento County as well as the City of Winters in Yolo County. “Finding these mosquitoes in a completely new area likely means they could possibly be established anywhere. We will continue to work diligently looking for and identifying locations where these mosquitoes could be breeding,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. Aedes aegypti are not native to California, however they are now permanently established in many areas throughout the State. “We are at the peak of the season for detecting invasive mosquitoes when they are very active,” added Goodman. Invasive mosquitoes are a public health threat because they are capable of transmitting debilitating diseases including Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Invasive mosquitoes were first discovered within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights.
In response to the new detection site, the District will enhance surveillance efforts by setting up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods to determine the scope of the infestation. Field technicians will conduct door to door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites and talking to residents about preventive measures they can employ around their home. “Mosquito control is a collaborative effort,” emphasized Goodman. “We need the support from all residents to drain all sources of stagnant water and ensure they are not breeding mosquitoes around their home,” he added.
Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that aggressively bite during the day and 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. 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.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately by calling 1-800-429-1022 or requesting service at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also sign up for email notifications to learn about mosquito control treatments in their zip code.
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
