FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2019
 
            Contact:  Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office:  916.405.2082 | Cell:  916.416.6337
E-mail:  lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net

INVASIVE MOSQUITOES FOUND IN A NEW AREA OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
 
Elk Grove, Ca. — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that it has detected the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti in a new area of Citrus Heights. The mosquitoes were found north of Antelope Rd. and west of Interstate 80. This is the second location where these mosquitoes have been found since their initial detection on August 29th. The most recent discovery included both flying adult mosquitoes as well as immature mosquitoes developing in backyard containers.  “We don’t know how long these mosquitoes have been in the area, but we are moving quickly and dedicating a significant amount of time and resources to find them and limit their expansion,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager.
 
Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that 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. The public plays a key role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito because their behavior makes them very difficult to find. “We need your help! 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,” emphasized Goodman. All residents are also urged to inspect their yards daily and drain all sources of stagnant water. 
 
Field technicians have been conducting door to door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites and conducting appropriate treatments as necessary where the mosquitoes were detected. Laboratory surveillance efforts are also being enhanced to continue assessing the spread of the infestation.
 
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is not native to California; it is an aggressive mosquito that prefers to bite people during the day and has the potential to transmit serious diseases including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. These mosquitoes are now permanently established throughout the state and were also recently found in Placer, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
 
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately by calling 1-800-429-1022 or requesting service at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net 
 
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
 

 
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 them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net