Mosquito Awareness Week In Santa Cruz County

From The County of Santa Cruz:After significant rainfall this winter, Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control is advising residents during Mosquito Awareness Week of the need to dump and drain all standing water.

Above average rainfall – which resulted in twice the normal amount of rainfall in several parts of California – throughout the winter helped end California's drought. But the rains left behind another threat -- stagnant water in containers, flower pots and empty pools can create mosquito breeding sites. "Mosquitos are the deadliest animal known to man, and we need residents to fight the bite by dumping and draining any standing water that collects after rains," Mosquito and Vector Control Manager Paul Binding said. "Eliminating these breeding grounds helps control West Nile virus and other diseases that are spread through infected mosquitoes." Mosquito Awareness Week runs from April 21-27. Residents are being asked to turn over empty containers, store flowerpots and buckets upside-down and drain water trapped water in tarps and tires. Water collecting in plant saucers and flower pots should be emptied approximately once a week. See www.agdept.com/mvc.html for more tips.

West Nile virus activity was detected in 41 counties in California in 2018 with 217 human cases reported. Over the last 10 years, more than 4,000 human disease cases were reported including 211 deaths. Santa Cruz County MVC delivers free mosquito-eating fish for water troughs, ponds and unmaintained pools or spas. The District also advises wearing repellents when out at dusk and dawn and keep windows and doors screened. Recommended repellents include products containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. For additional questions, call 831-454-2590 (se habla español) or email pesthelp@agdept.com. To report a dead bird call 1-877-WNV-BIRD or visit westnile.ca.gov.