Uodated 3/31/20

The 2020 California Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week is April 19-25, 2020

Did you know that we Californians have our very own Mosquito Awareness Week? While the National Mosquito Awareness Week takes place in June, we Californians start to feel the impact of mosquitos much earlier in the year and our Awareness week starts on April 19th, 2020. 

Some top of mind questions this year:

Can mosquitoes spread Corona Virus?

NO. From the World Health Organization's website: 

"The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing."

But mosquitoes spread other viruses, right?

YES! From the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Website: 

"It is important to remember that COVID-19 is not transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. However, other viruses, such as West Nile virus, can be. Therefore, residents are asked to be proactive in the coming weeks while they stay close to home by eliminating mosquito sources around and inside their property, especially after a rain event. The following steps will help reduce the threat of mosquito-transmitted diseases and mosquito breeding this coming season:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.
• Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present....."

Where can I find out more about the California Mosquito Awarenes Week?

With vector control district open houses being cancelled, it looks like people will be relying on online resources to educate them about mosquitoes and the dangers they pose to our health.

• https://vcrma.org/mosquito-control
• https://www.glacvcd.org/mosquitoes/
• https://www.glacvcd.org/mosquito-borne-diseases/

Download Prevention/Protection Fact Sheet

Here's a 2019 article we liked that gives some easy-to-remember tips for Nipomo residents interested in reducing mosquito populations around their homes and in the greater Nipomo community.

(This article comes from our friends at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District)

All Californians play an important role in protecting the public health of their community and should take simple steps to reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases in their neighborhood. To raise awareness and educate Californians about the public health threat mosquitoes pose to our communities, the California Legislature declared April 21-27, 2019 as Mosquito Awareness Week.  #MOSQUITOWEEK

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous creature in the world! 

Mosquitoes kill nearly 725,000 people a year because they can transmit deadly viruses like Malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue with just a bite. Protect yourself and your community by preventing mosquito breeding in your home.

Weeks of Rain and Warm Temperatures Start Mosquito Season

The past winter months brought weeks of rain to drought-stricken Southern California, and our warming temperatures now increase the potential for an early mosquito season.

Eliminate any standing water left around your property, especially in small containers such as:

• pot saucers
• children’s toys
• recyclables
• buckets
• old tires

Additionally, use any water collected in rain barrels within 7 days or ensure all openings are correctly screened and sealed.

Lastly, clean any unmaintained pools that may have collected rain water. Green, unmaintained pools are perfect breeding sources for our native Culex mosquito known to transmit West Nile virus.

#TipNToss

Tip and Toss is the best and most natural mosquito control method. Eliminating sources early in the year will help decrease mosquito populations in your community. Take action today by tipping out any stagnant water on your property to prevent mosquitoes and disease risk as temperatures warm.

The Insects that Bug Us the Most and Diseases They Can Spread

Los Angeles County is home to Culex mosquitoes which primarily live and breed in larger containers and sources such as pools, ponds and gutters with standing water. While these mosquitoes primarily feed on birds, they occasionally feed on people and can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

Within the past few years, the invasive Aedes mosquito has taken over Los Angeles County. These black-and-white striped “ankle-bitters” bite during the day and thrive in small containers with standing water. Studies have shown that Aedes mosquito eggs can lay dormant for years creating a huge risk for LA County following weeks of rainfall which will trigger many of these eggs to hatch. Aedes mosquitoes bite people and are capable of transmitting viruses like Zika, yellow fever, dengue fever, and chikungunya if these viruses are introduced by infected travelers.

Repel, Don’t Swell

Remember to wear insect repellent to protect your health. The CDC recommends using repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. It’s extremely important to wear insect repellent when you travel abroad as well, especially when visiting sub-tropical and tropical regions. Avoid scratching mosquito bites, this can lead to a potentially serious bacterial infection.

Join public health agencies and vector control agencies across the state for #MosquitoWeek and the upcoming summer months by sharing these important tips to protect public health and prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases this year. 

Contact O'Connor Pest Control today if you desire professional and knowledgeable pest control advice or call us at 800-284-7985 for immediate service!