Managers Update

This time of year tends to bring a mixture of cold, overcast days followed by warm, sunny days. These conditions bring out the first insects, especially mosquitoes, from their winter hiding places and they are actively looking for food! It is important that you protect yourself from these aggressive biters and ensure you are not creating mosquitoes in your own yard! Drain any standing water on your property; call us to stock mosquito fish or to help you take proper control measures.

It is critical that we start reducing mosquito populations NOW! If you have a swimming pool that you cannot maintain, please contact us. We can deliver mosquito-eating fish that will help protect you, your family, and your neighbors from West Nile virus this coming year. One neglected swimming pool can produce enough mosquitoes to infect an entire city block! One application of fish can prevent this from being a problem.

When we have warm days during these next few months mosquitoes may become active; remember to wear a good repellent when staying outdoors especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. ALWAYS read the label and follow the directions of the product you are using.

Management of mosquito development sites includes the principles of Integrated Pest Management. These principles are public education, surveillance, physical control, and proper use of water to prevent it from pooling for more than three days. In addition, District staff is trained to perform biological control (the proper stocking of mosquitofish) and chemical control (the use of EPA-registered pesticides) to further manage mosquito populations. Together, the district and the community can ensure a safe, healthy environment for all.

Our public education department is currently hosting the annual FIGHT THE BITE calendar contest. Children are encouraged to submit an entry and show us how they protect themselves from mosquitoes using one or all of the District D’s. Visit our School Programs page to download an entry form. Presentations to classrooms and community organizations are also available upon request. You may request one online or by calling our office. Click here to request a presentation

Follow these smart tips to reduce mosquitoes around you home:

  • DRAIN AFTER THE RAIN! Drain any container that may hold water for more than a few days. Pay special attention to backyard sources such as buckets, tires, cans, flowerpots, pet dishes, toys, birdbaths.
  • Use your green waste containers for all leaves, grass and other garden materials. Green waste on the street gets into street drains and gutters creating mosquito breeding habitats.
  • Check your roof gutters and clear them of debris
  • Monitor your home water use so you are not wasteful of this much needed natural resource.
  • Cover your pool, spa, jacuzzi and boat so mosquitoes cannot enter.
  • Fill tree holes with sand. This will prevent water from collecting in the holes and producing mosquitoes that cause dog heartworm disease.
  • Eliminate all standing water from around your home.

We are here to serve you and protect public health. Together, we can ensure a safe, healthy environment for all.

If you have any questions regarding our services, please call us at 1-800-429-1022.

We are here to serve you!

David Brown
Manager,
Sac-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

 


David Brown, Manager

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Did you know?
'Mosquito' means 'little fly' in Spanish.

Providing mosquito and vector control services for residents of Sacramento and Yolo counties since 1946.
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