MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER
95 YEARS OF PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District's 95th Anniversary
Celebrating 95 years of Protecting Public Health.
This year, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) is celebrating 95 years of protecting public health. Wow!

95 years is certainly an impressive accomplishment, but how did the District get here? Let's take a look at the District's history.
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered mosquitoes can transmit the causative agents of disease. At the same time, the problems with mosquitoes in Contra Costa County were so bad, particularly along the coastal areas of the county, that businesses and schools were closed, and Realtors could not sell homes. As Californians learned mosquitoes pose a risk of disease or harm, in 1915 state lawmakers approved legislation to create and finance mosquito abatement districts in the state.
In 1926, the people of Contra Costa County voted to create the Contra Costa Mosquito Abatement District (CCMAD), and in 1927, 95 years ago, we opened our doors and have been protecting public health in Contra Costa County ever since.

The District's original jurisdiction only included the waterfront from Martinez to Antioch. CCMAD focused primarily on reducing the risk of mosquitoes by using engineering methods such as digging ditch networks, dredging, building, and repairing levees.
Historic photo of CCMVCD
Date Unknown
As different mosquito-borne diseases impacted more County residents throughout Contra Costa County, they petitioned CCMAD for mosquito control services. Additional CCMAD offices were established. Over time, CCMAD increased the number of services and control options.

  • In the 1950s, CCMAD began using mosquitofish as a biological method of controlling mosquitoes.
  • In 1970, CCMAD offered ground-nesting yellowjacket control.
  • In 1986, CCMAD became a county-wide agency.
  • In 1993, Contra Costa County transferred its rat and rabies risk reduction program to CCMAD, prompting the District to officially change its name to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.

Today, the District is a public health agency dedicated to protecting all Contra Costa County residents from mosquitoes and other vectors of disease. The last 95 years have been an incredible journey for the District. Here's to 95 more years of protecting public health!
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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