SCMAD is charged with controlling all mosquitoes which may bring disease or harassment to humans and domestic animals. Preventive measures are emphasized, principally naturalistic and physical control, but chemical control is integrated with other measures as necessary.

Control technicians routinely inspect sources within the SCMAD on a 7 to 10 day cycle.

Mosquitoes go through four different life stages: egg, larval, pupal and adult. Only female mosquitoes bite. The protein obtained from the bloodmeal is necessary in most mosquitoes for the completion of egg development.

The SCMAD contends with an extremely diversified range of aqautic habitats and temperature regimes. Of the 21 species of mosquitoes known to occur within the SCMAD boundaries, 12 are important either as disease vectors (i.e., capable of transmitting disease) or pests.

What you can do to control mosquitoes on your property:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.

• Pay special attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires is where most mosquitoes breed.

• During the warmer end of the rainy season, when moisture accumulates in gutters frequently, place mosquito dunks in each gutter. The active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israaelenses (called BTI) kills mosquito and black fly larvae for at least 30 days. Dunks float and slowly release a long-term biological mosquito larvacide, which kills larvae before they hatch into adults. Dunks will not effect fish, plants, people or wildlife and alternative wetting and drying does not reduce their effectiveness.

• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for mosquitoes.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide problems. Mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on pool covers, so these need to be regularly emptied.

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

If West Nile virus is found in your area, here are some ways you can protect yourself:

• Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.

Mosquito Control Resources

Solano County Mosquito Abatement District
707-437-1116
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
www.solanomosquito.com

California West Nile Virus Website
http://www.westnile.ca.gov/