Written by Dr. Mustapha Debboun, General Manager of Delta Vector Control District.
While we are now dealing with the devastating Coronavirus Pandemic, most of us are not thinking about mosquitoes. However, the weather is warming up and mosquito season will be upon us very soon! There is no doubt that mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but also a serious health hazard to us and our pets by carrying and spreading dangerous mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Saint Louis Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow fever, Zika, and dog heartworm disease.
Temperature plays a key role in determining the actual start of the mosquito season. Mosquitoes thrive in hot weather. Thus, as the temperature rises, the mosquito population will increase and reach its peak during the hot summer months of July and August.
A female Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito lands on a finger to take a blood meal. She needs the protein from blood to make eggs. Photo Credit: CDC James Gathany
We, at the Delta Vector Control District, have been getting ready for the mosquito season all winter to protect residents from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases. We ask that you join us in the fight against mosquitoes at home by mosquito-proofing your summer with the following important steps:
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- Use US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved and registered mosquito repellents as personal protective measures
- Remove any items that collect standing water
- Cover or drain water-collecting containers when not in use
- Repair damaged door and window screens
- Maintain and keep your swimming pool clean
- Clean clogged gutters
- Repair any water leaks
Our staff is well-trained and experienced in the best practices and innovative ways to survey and control mosquitoes, enabling you to enjoy life without the annoyance and threat to your health posed by mosquito bites. We urge you all to protect yourselves from mosquito bites during the mosquito season, which is starts in Spring and extends through Fall. Together, we can “Fight the Bite” to keep our District a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.