District Expands Sterile Insect Technique Program to Rosemont

DISTRICT EXPANDS STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE PROGRAM TO ROSEMONT
Program targets invasive mosquitoes that pose a public health threat
 
Elk Grove, CA – The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is announcing the continuation of its Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program to
Rosemont in Sacramento County following the promising results of last year’s South Natomas pilot project. Beginning July 7, District staff will begin weekly releases of sterile male mosquitoes as part of this innovative, science-based program designed to reduce populations of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, a species that continues to spread throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties. These mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
 
“Traditional mosquito control remains the foundation of what we do,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “The Sterile Insect Technique gives us another tool to help manage invasive mosquitoes and strengthen our ability to protect public health.”
 
During the program, District staff will release non-biting male mosquitoes that carry Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium. When these sterile males mate with wild female mosquitoes, the resulting eggs do not hatch, leading to a gradual decline in the mosquito population. Unlike the mosquitoes most people are familiar with, Aedes aegypti are aggressive daytime biters that thrive in residential neighborhoods by laying eggs in small backyard containers such as plant saucers, buckets, pet dishes, and other water-holding containers. Their ability to live close to people and reproduce quickly makes them especially difficult to control, highlighting the need for innovative approaches like SIT.
 
For years, the District has used surveillance, mosquito control, source reduction, and public outreach to help slow the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties. While these efforts remain the foundation of the District’s mosquito control program, Aedes aegypti continues to spread into new communities, making innovative science-based tools like SIT an important part of the District’s integrated mosquito management strategy.
 
The program will take place within a designated 120 acre area of Rosemont. District staff will be present in the neighborhood each week to release the sterile males and place mosquito traps to monitor mosquito activity and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Residents may notice District vehicles and staff working in the area, but no action is required, and they may continue their normal daily activities. The program will continue through the end of October.

“Community participation remains one of the most important parts of controlling invasive mosquitoes,” added Goodman. “Residents can make a real difference by eliminating standing water around their homes each week and using insect repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Working together gives us the best opportunity to reduce mosquito populations and protect public health.”
 
While the released mosquitoes are males and do not bite, residents are encouraged to use insect repellent when spending time outdoors. The Sterile Insect Technique is designed to complement, not replace, the District’s existing mosquito control efforts.
 
For more information about the Rosemont SIT program visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net or call (800) 429-1022.