The Antelope Valley Mosquito Vector Control District (AVMVCD) warns this week that the recent rain and higher-than-normal temperatures have caused an early start to the mosquito season.
Technicians have been locating mosquito larvae and pupae in dirty swimming pools, ditches and basins throughout the Antelope Valley. Officials say that because many residents allow their pools and ponds to go bad during the winter months to save time and money on maintenance, mosquitoes use these standing bodies of water to breed as soon as the weather warms. One unmaintained pool, officials say, can be home to thousands of mosquito larvae.
“The unseasonably high temperatures that we’ve been experiencing—combined with the recent rainfall—have created a perfect scenario for mosquitoes to thrive,’ said Cei Kratz, AVMVCD district manager. “People need to make sure to clean their pools or keep them dry after each rainstorm to avoid mosquito breeding.”
The California Department of Public Health has reported West Nile Virus activity found in nine dead birds in four counties this year, compared to one dead bird at this time last year. The Antelope Valley in 2015 saw the potentially fatal virus activity in 26 chickens, two mosquito samples and in four human cases that resulted in two deaths. District officials recommend the following tips to avoid mosquito bites and West Nile Virus infection:
— Check your property for any standing water from sprinklers or after rains, and dump or drain all standing water;
— Cover rainwater barrels with screens to keep mosquitoes out;
— Dress in light-covered, long-sleeved clothes during mosquito activity, which is most active at dusk and dawn;
— Use repellents to defend against mosquitos (i.e. DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535);
— Turn on fans to keep mosquitoes away;
— Keep screen doors and windows in good repair and close when necessary;
— Don’t use bug zappers on or near your patio. These devices tend to attract more mosquitoes than they kill;
— Make sure your horse(s) are vaccinated properly.
For more details on ways to keep your family and animals safe from mosquito infestation, call (661) 942-2917 or visit www.avmosquito.org.
