Placer Mosquito urges residents to use EPA-registered repellent to prevent bites
WEST PLACER COUNTY, Calif., July 8, 2026 – The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed the first mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus in Placer County this year. The mosquitoes were collected in the west Placer County area, near a residential area of Morgan Creek and west of the city of Lincoln in an agricultural area near Sheridan.
The District conducts weekly mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus across Placer County throughout the summer. Test results guide the District’s efforts to assess the risk of West Nile virus transmission to people, provide timely public information, and perform targeted mosquito control treatments to protect public health.
“As we’ve seen in past years, we predict more West Nile virus activity following this initial detection,” stated Joel Buettner, Placer Mosquito District General Manager. “We encourage residents to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. Our team is actively conducting surveillance and treatments to help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission to our community.”
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. There is no cure, so prevention is key. To protect yourself and your family:
- Use an EPA-registered repellent
- Dump and drain standing water on your property to prevent mosquito development
- Report mosquito problems on the District website
- Stay informed by signing up for District news and treatment updates
For more information, contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (916) 380-5444 or visit placermosquito.org. Follow the District on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Please direct all media inquiries to the District’s Public Information Officer, Emma Carlson, at pio@placermosquito.org.