Raises awareness for mosquitoes and West Nile virus.

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District (PMVCD) anticipates an early start to a potentially long mosquito season this year. “With record precipitation and high snow pack levels and warmer weather coming soon, we could be facing a long mosquito season with higher than normal mosquito populations,” stated Joel Buettner, General Manager. Higher snow pack levels could mean that runoff from the melting snow could keep water in low areas that would usually be dry during the summer months, creating pools that produce mosquitoes.

The week of April 24-30 is Mosquito and West Nile virus Awareness Week in California. The District is taking the opportunity to encourage Placer County residents to implement preventive measures to help reduce their risk for mosquito-borne disease like West Nile Virus this season. “It is important that Placer residents are aware that it could be a longer season, but they can also do things now that could help reduce the impact of mosquitoes later in the season,” said Buettner. With lots of standing water on the ground from the continuing rains this spring, residents are strongly encouraged to drain any containers or areas of standing water around their homes including rain gutters, planters, buckets, tires, or any other container that can hold water. Also, identifying potential mosquito sources, such as neglected pools and ornamental ponds helps the District address these areas before they produce adult mosquitoes. Already this spring, the District has placed record numbers of mosquitofish in unmaintained or neglected swimming pools to prevent the development of mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile Virus. Residents can contact the District to report neglected pools or ponds or request mosquitofish for their own property. Residents can also help identify high-risk areas for West Nile virus by reporting dead birds to the California Dead Bird Hotline at (877) 968-2473.

Although West Nile virus activity has not yet been identified in Placer County this season, it has been detected in the region. Meanwhile, Placer residents can implement the following measures to reduce the risks from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness:

3 D’s of Protection

  • DRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
  • DEFEND yourself and your home against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, dressing appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and keeping door and window screens in good working condition.
  • Contact the DISTRICT for help. Call (888) 768-2343, or visit their website at www.placermosquito.org.

Contact: Maria Alvarez (916) 380-5444.