ROSEVILLE, Calif. April 20, 2012— Although Placer residents have seen a very unusual mosquito season so far this year, the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District (PMVCD) announces the official beginning of the season during Mosquito and West Nile virus Awareness Week, April 22-28. “With the mild winter we had this year, a lot of our residents did not get much of a break from mosquitoes.” stated Joel Buettner, District Manager. Mosquitoes in Placer County are usually not a problem during the colder months, but the extended warm weather at the beginning of the year encouraged overwintering mosquitoes to come out of their shelter much earlier than normal. However, it seems that mosquito activity has died down for the time being, but officials say the warm weather may encourage mosquitoes to start their reproductive cycles for the season. “The good news is, we have not yet seen any West Nile virus activity yet in Placer County. This gives all our residents time to help us minimize mosquito populations by dumping out containers, and eliminating drainage problems on your property. By reducing mosquito breeding locations now, we can reduce the risks associated with mosquito bites and West Nile virus later in the season” states Buettner.
The week of April 22-28 is Mosquito and West Nile virus Awareness Week in California. Mosquito control districts throughout the state are gearing up for what could be an unpredictable and unusual season. The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is enlisting the public’s help to slow down the West Nile virus cycle this season. Residents can do a variety of things to help the community. Among these things is identifying potential mosquito sources, such as neglected pools and ornamental ponds. District staff can place mosquitofish in these areas to control larval mosquitoes, reducing the number of breeding adults throughout the season. 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.Since the arrival of West Nile virus to California in 2003, more than 3,000 people have been infected with WNV and 110 have died from the disease.
WHO: The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Events for Mosquito and West Nile virus Awareness Week April 22-28
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25 – Repellent Distribution in partnership with The Gathering Inn, a local homeless service agency
Friday, April 27 – Mosquito storytime at a local elementary school in partnership with the Roseville Public Library