FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2024
May 24, 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 Memorial Day Weekend
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reminds the public to take all necessary precautions and protect themselves from mosquitoes this Memorial Day weekend and in the upcoming warmer months. “Many will be spending time outdoors as this holiday is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “As you celebrate with a backyard barbeque, a camping trip or enjoy outdoor activities, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing a good mosquito repellent,” added Goodman. 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. Aside from personal protection against mosquito bites, draining all sources of stagnant water around the home is also important. “Remember to check your backyard and dump any water in flower pots, kiddie pools, tires, pet dishes, bird baths and other common household containers that can hold water,” added Goodman.
While no West Nile virus activity has been detected this year, the warm temperatures that are typical of the summer months ahead will likely change that. “Hot temperatures accelerate the lifecycle of a mosquito, therefore populations of mosquitoes will increase in the upcoming weeks and the risk for West Nile will also intensify,” indicated Goodman. Last year was a long and intense West Nile virus season that led to a sharp increase in human cases. In Sacramento County there were 53 human cases while Yolo County had 39. This is a huge upsurge from 2022 when there were 5 and 3 cases respectively.
Another ongoing concern is the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout our District. Aedes aegypti were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 and Aedes albopictus were first found in 2022. This year invasive mosquitoes have already been found in different areas throughout the District. Invasive mosquitoes aggressively bite during the day and pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
To report any stagnant water, a neglected pool or other mosquito problems, please call 1-800-429-1022 or fill out a service request online at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
–Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes this Memorial Day Weekend
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reminds the public to take all necessary precautions and protect themselves from mosquitoes this Memorial Day weekend and in the upcoming warmer months. “Many will be spending time outdoors as this holiday is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “As you celebrate with a backyard barbeque, a camping trip or enjoy outdoor activities, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing a good mosquito repellent,” added Goodman. 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. Aside from personal protection against mosquito bites, draining all sources of stagnant water around the home is also important. “Remember to check your backyard and dump any water in flower pots, kiddie pools, tires, pet dishes, bird baths and other common household containers that can hold water,” added Goodman.
While no West Nile virus activity has been detected this year, the warm temperatures that are typical of the summer months ahead will likely change that. “Hot temperatures accelerate the lifecycle of a mosquito, therefore populations of mosquitoes will increase in the upcoming weeks and the risk for West Nile will also intensify,” indicated Goodman. Last year was a long and intense West Nile virus season that led to a sharp increase in human cases. In Sacramento County there were 53 human cases while Yolo County had 39. This is a huge upsurge from 2022 when there were 5 and 3 cases respectively.
Another ongoing concern is the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout our District. Aedes aegypti were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 and Aedes albopictus were first found in 2022. This year invasive mosquitoes have already been found in different areas throughout the District. Invasive mosquitoes aggressively bite during the day and pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
To report any stagnant water, a neglected pool or other mosquito problems, please call 1-800-429-1022 or fill out a service request online at 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 by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
