Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District

DYK There are more than 3,500 types of mosquitoes worldwide. In CA Culex mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus which is the most serious mosquito-borne disease in the state. #MosquitoWeek #KernCounty #CityofBakersfield #publichealth https://bit.ly/3wEmjQu

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on the planet. They can spread diseases, which can be devastating for human & animal health. Together we can #FightTheBite #KernCounty #CityofBakersfield #publichealth #MosquitoWeek https://bit.ly/2JUj6rm

¡Es la Semana de Conocimiento sobre los Mosquitos de California! No olvide protegerse y proteger a su familia de las picaduras de mosquitos cuando salga al aire libre. #FightTheBite #kerncounty #cityofbakersfield #publichealth #MosquitoWeek

#COVID-19 reminds us #PublicHealth crises can be preventable. Mosquito control programs in CA continue to #FightTheBite and mosquito-borne diseases! #MosquitoWeek

Thank you @DrPanMD for authoring a state resolution to recognize Mosquito Awareness Week! Together we can #FightTheBite #KernCounty #CityofBakersfield #publichealth https://bit.ly/3d04LpT

It’s CA Mosquito Awareness Week! Don’t forget to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites as you head outdoors. #FightTheBite #kerncounty #cityofbakersfield #publichealth #MosquitoWeek

California Mosquito Week!! April 18-24th

West Nile virus can be transmitted to mosquitoes if they bite an infected bird. When the weather warms up into the 90's, certain species of birds can develop high levels of West Nile virus. The WNV cycle is from mosquitoes to birds and back to mosquitoes again. Humans and horses can also develop West Nile virus symptoms. Please report dead "corvids" (crows, ravens, & scrub jays) to the West Nile virus dead bird hotline. A technician will be sent to the location to retrieve the bird. Please do not report dead birds that appear to be dead for more than 48 hours. #mosquito #cityofbakersfield #kerncounty

Many people in Kern County are starting to notice mosquitoes around their homes. One major breeding source this time of year is Green/Unmaintained swimming pools. If you have a green pool at your home please drain it or shock and treat the water with chlorine so it is no longer a "skeeter breeder." Remember, the mosquitoes that breed in green swimming pools are the species that can carry and transmit West Nile Virus. Also, if your neighbor has a green pool, please call us and report it (661) 589-2744. #mosquito #cityofBakersfield #kerncounty

Some mosquito breeding sites are overlooked. "Irrigation Valve Boxes" may be overlooked or even ignored because they have a lid that covers and protects the water valves inside. If you look closely there is a small access hole in all valve boxes. This hole is large enough to allow adult mosquitoes to enter and lay eggs. So remember to check your valve boxes from time to time. A leaky valve can flood or fill the box and create a breeding area for mosquitoes near your homes. #mosquito #cityofbakersfield #kerncounty

One item that can be overlooked when looking for standing water is "Yard Drains." They come in different shapes and sizes and many of them hold water year-round. Openings to the drain are usually large enough to allow Aedes aegypti mosquitoes ("ankle biters") access to water where they can lay their eggs. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard drains, we recommend you install a piece of window screen between the cover and the drain. Another option is to treat the drain with a larvicide (Bti, Spinosad or methoprene, ) to kill any mosquito larvae that might develop. These products can be purchased on-line or at most home improvement stores. Let's all do our part this year and keep our neighborhoods mosquito free. #mosquito #cityofbakersfield #kerncounty

Southern California still has warm enough weather year-round to see mosquitoes out and about. We just typically see fewer during the colder months of the year. ...Other much colder regions might not see any mosquitoes at all during the colder months, but they are still there just waiting for the weather to warm up! Once the weather warms up, the mosquitoes emerge from their version of "hibernation" and begin the annoyance that we all associate with mosquitoes over summer. #MosquitoFactMonday #TheMoreYouKnow #MosquitoControl #AntelopeValley See more

According to the California Department of Public Health, the Seventh human case of West Nile Virus was reported in Kern County on January 4, 2021. Currently, there are 197 human cases in California from 24 counties. West Nile virus is a disease that is spread by infected Culex mosquitoes to birds, horses, and humans throughout the summer and early fall months. The virus can cause mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and in extreme cases even serious illness or death. Protec...t yourself from biting mosquitoes by avoiding mosquito breeding areas, wear light-weight long-sleeved shirts and pants, apply insect repellent, make sure you have screens on all windows and open doors in your home and the screens are in good repair, and remember mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active at dusk and dawn. We ask that everyone remove standing water around their homes and maintain swimming pools, fountains, and birdbaths weekly. https://www.kget.com/.../kern-county-gets-seventh-case.../ See more

This year has not been easy, especially around the holidays. We will get through this together. Stay safe! And, we hope that you get some time to relax.

The establishment of invasive species anywhere is not good, especially when it can potentially transmit diseases. A new invasive mosquito is reported from Florida. It might not take too long for this mosquito to move to and establish populations in other states. You can help in controlling that from happening: eliminate standing water sources around your property (example: scrub, turn-over, or discard used tires & toys, flowerpot saucers, etc.)