Even Though It's Fall, Mosquito Season Isn't Over

MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER

EVEN THOUGH IT'S FALL, MOSQUITO SEASON IS NOT OVER

Act Now to Reduce the Risk of West Nile Virus by Avoiding Mosquito Bites

Just because it's fall, it does not mean mosquito season is over because mosquitoes, and

West Nile virus (WNV) in particular, thrive in warm temperatures. And unlike other areas of the country where temperatures turn cool as soon as fall arrives, Contra Costa County remains warm enough.

Countywide, the average temperature is 81 degrees in September and 71 degrees in October. With these temperatures, mosquitoes can stick around for at least a few more weeks.

Just last year, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) trapped mosquitoes that tested positive for WNV three days before Halloween. And so far this year, 17 dead birds, two chickens and 12 groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV, with the most recent group of mosquitoes and two of the dead birds testing positive this week, alone. The mosquitoes were collected in Brentwood, and the dead birds in Brentwood and Walnut Creek.

West Nile virus is spread through

the bite of certain mosquitoes,

including Culex mosquitoes.

The District's Scientific Program Director Steve Schutz, Ph.D. warns now is not the time to

become complacent when it comes to preventing mosquito bites.

"It is very important that all Contra Costa County residents take this virus seriously. Take

precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites now and well into the fall because the risk

of virus transmission can continue until average overnight temperatures drop below 55

degrees for a week or longer."

So, act now to reduce the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) by avoiding mosquito bites.

Personally:

Avoid areas where mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
Defend yourself
Use repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Wear long pants and long sleeves to reduce the exposed skin where a mosquito could potentially bite.

On Your Property:

Dump out standing water. Mosquitoes develop from egg to adult in water.
Chlorinate and filter swimming pools because even one neglected swimming pool can produce 1 million mosquitoes that can affect people miles away.
Report dead birds to the California WNV Call Center at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online.
Contact the District to request mosquito service if you find mosquitoes on your property.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Contact the District to report mosquito and vector problems online or at (925) 685-9301

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