Category Archives: Vector Control

What to Do About Underground Yellowjackets, Now

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Kevin

Yellowjackets are beneficial insects that eat garden pests and pollinate certain plants through daily foraging. If left undisturbed, yellowjackets are typically not a problem; however, these wasps will defend their nest if they sense a threat to the colony. Yellowjackets can … Continue reading →

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The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District’s 95th Anniversary

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Kevin

This year, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) is celebrating 95 years of protecting public health. Wow! 95 years is certainly an impressive accomplishment, but how did the District get here? Let’s take a look at the District’s history. In … Continue reading →

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First Dead Bird of 2022 Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Contra Costa Co.

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Kevin

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) reports the first dead bird of the year has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Contra Costa County. The dead bird, an American crow, was picked up in an … Continue reading →

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CALIFORNIA MOSQUITO AWARENESS WEEK

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Kevin

As we all try to navigate what the new normal will be like now that the COVID-19 pandemic is entering the endemic phase, it turns out, we don’t have to look any further than another endemic virus that we’ve been … Continue reading →

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Mosquitofish Service Changes

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Kevin

Read This First, BEFORE Trying to Pick Up Fish at the District With spring right around the corner, the time is now to take steps to prevent mosquitoes. Dump out any standing water and if you’re a Contra Costa County … Continue reading →

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Winter is Here and So Are the Skunks

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Kevin

Seeing (or more likely, smelling) skunks lately? As winter continues, so does the appearance and aroma of these animals, as skunks are seeking a mate and a place to provide shelter to their young. Skunks do not jump or climb, … Continue reading →

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5 Steps to Take Now to Prevent Mice at Your Holiday Celebration

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Kevin

Mice can spread bacteria and viruses in their droppings and nesting material. They’ve also been associated with asthma. Mice have difficulty maintaining body warmth, so they are attracted to the warmth, food and shelter that can be found in your … Continue reading →

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Why the Change in Seasons Can Increase the Risk of Rats and Mice

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Kevin

9 Tips on What to do Now to Reduce the Risk of Rats and Mice in Fall and Winter Well, that was quick. One week it’s sunny and warm and now it’s cool and rainy. The change in seasons from … Continue reading →

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Why are Yellowjackets More Active Right Now?

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Kevin

10 Tips on How to Respond to Today’s Yellowjackets and Prevent Tomorrow’s It’s a sunny late September afternoon and you head out to the patio to enjoy your lunch.But, no sooner have you taken your first bite, when a yellowjacket … Continue reading →

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First Dead Bird of 2021 Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Contra Costa Co.

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Kevin

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) reports the first dead bird of the year, and more mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Contra Costa County.The dead bird, a California scrub-jay, was picked up … Continue reading →

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What’s the most effective Mosquito Repellent?

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Kevin

Make Sure the Repellent is EPA Registered According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), repellents that are registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contain one of the following active ingredients are safe and effective when … Continue reading →

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PREVENTING MOSQUITOES AT HOME

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Kevin

It’s As Simple as Dumping out Water, If You Know Where to Look Mosquitoes need water to develop from egg to biting adult. To reduce the risk of mosquitoes at home, dump out any standing water on your property. While … Continue reading →

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Report Dead Birds to Reduce Risk of West Nile Virus

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Kevin

August marks the dog days of summer with its long sunny days and warm nights. It’s the perfect time of year for an evening walk. As you walk around your neighborhood, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) … Continue reading →

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Rain Followed by Sunny Days = Mosquitoes

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Kevin

Now’s the time to dump out rainwater to prevent mosquitoes later Last weekend, a Contra Costa County resident sent the District a picture of a mosquito that had landed on his leg. The resident was surprised mosquitoes were out already; … Continue reading →

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5 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Rats and Mice in Your Home

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Kevin

Recent cooler temperatures can prompt some Contra Costa County residents to bundle up and head indoors. It turns out, rats and mice will try to get indoors, too. They are warm blooded and naturally drawn to warmth, so when it’s … Continue reading →

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Is it My Imagination? Are Yellowjackets More Aggressive, This Year?

Posted on October 24, 2020 by Kevin

The Change in Seasons Does Have an Impact on Yellowjacket Behavior You’re in your backyard, doing a little weekend barbecuing and wham… out of nowhere yellowjackets are all around. You start waving your arms and some start stinging you. What’s … Continue reading →

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Update on the District’s Mosquitofish Service

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Kevin

Since the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District office closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents seeking mosquitofish could not pick up fish in person. The District’s mosquitofish service changed to allow residents to request mosquitofish as they … Continue reading →

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How to Reduce the Risk of West Nile virus by Reporting Dead Birds

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Kevin

During the current pandemic, there are daily reports on the new things scientists are learning about the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 disease because COVID-19 is so new. Here in Contra Costa County, there is already a virus that is neither new … Continue reading →

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Young Skunks are Out and About

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Kevin

Each year, skunk activity peaks twice a year–in the winter during mating season and during the spring when young skunks are born and start to venture out into the world. Right now, those young skunks are exploring their surroundings and … Continue reading →

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Its Bee Swarm Season

Posted on April 14, 2020 by Kevin

What to do if You See a Swarm It’s springtime and that means bees are on the move. According to the UC Davis Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, warming temperatures prompt a queen and a group of worker bees to … Continue reading →

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