Category Archives: Vector Control

Winter is Here and So Are the Skunks

Posted on January 27, 2023 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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How to Save Rainwater without Mosquitoes

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Kevin

With all of the rain we’ve received, we have heard residents talking about how they’d like to save rainwater for later, but the District wants to make sure if folks do save rainwater, they are not providing a place for … Continue reading →

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Repeated Storms Leave Rainwater in Unusual Places — Now’s the Time to Dump and Scrub to Prevent Mosquitoes

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Kevin

After weeks of rain, the weather forecast is starting to change, and that means it’s a good time to take a look around your yard for anything holding water to prevent mosquitoes now and later. With 23 confirmed species of … Continue reading →

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The Weather has Cooled Ushering in Rat and Mouse Season

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Kevin

Recently, a Contra Costa County resident recounted the story of taking her car to the mechanic for an oil change, only for the mechanic to discover a rat’s nest under the hood. After the resident’s initial surprise, the mechanic explained … Continue reading →

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Why Am I Being Bitten By Mosquitoes Near Contra Costa County’s Shoreline?

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Kevin

Among the 23 different species of mosquitoes already established in Contra Costa County (County), there is Aedes dorsalis, a mosquito that develops from egg to adult in salt water. While they are not known to transmit West Nile virus, these mosquitoes … Continue reading →

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All Mosquitoes Are Not The Same – How Newly Discovered Invasive Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Differ from the West Nile virus Mosquitoes Already in Contra Costa County

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Kevin

West Nile virus (WNV) first appeared in Contra Costa County in 2004. During the 18 years since then, County residents have become used to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District’s (District) message that it’s important to dump out … Continue reading →

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Invasive Species of Mosquitoes in Contra Costa County

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Kevin

Contra Costa County is home to 23 native species of mosquitoes. Earlier this month the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) found a non-native species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti, in a residential area of Martinez, south of Highway 4. … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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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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