Invasive Mosquitoes Detected in Antelope

INVASIVE MOSQUITOES DETECTED IN ANTELOPE  
 
Elk Grove, Ca. — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti has been detected in Antelope, an unincorporated area in north Sacramento County. In addition to this new identification in Antelope, there have been three findings within the City of Citrus Heights since August 29^th of this year.  “Upon discovering invasive mosquitoes a little more than a month ago, we have been working diligently to identify breeding sources and assess the extent of the infestation,” said Gary Goodman District Manager. “We have been extremely busy responding to the new detections and doing everything we can to protect residents in the affected area,” he added. Aedes aegypti is not native to California and is an aggressive day biter that can potentially transmit serious diseases including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
 
Cooperation from residents in affected areas is critical in helping to control invasive mosquitoes. “We urge everyone to do their part in inspecting their yards and ensure they don’t have any stagnant water,” stated Goodman. “These mosquitoes can breed in a teaspoon of water and can be very difficult to control,” indicated Goodman. Common breeding sources for invasive mosquitoes are small containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, tin cans, tires and bird baths. Invasive mosquitoes lay eggs along the sides of containers, are resistant to drying out and can survive for many months until water is reintroduced into the containers they are laid in.
 
In response to the new detection area, the District will continue with door to door inspections looking for potential breeding sites, enhance its surveillance efforts by setting more traps and conduct appropriate treatments as needed in affected neighborhoods.  
 
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 spray notifications to learn about mosquito control treatments in their zip code.
 
In California, invasive mosquitoes were first detected in 2011 and are now permanently established in more than 15 counties. Aside from Sacramento County, earlier this year they were also found in neighboring Placer and San Joaquin counties.  
 
For additional information regarding invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes visit the
California Department of Public Health:   https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Aedes-aegypti-and-Aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes.aspx