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!ABOUT MOSQUITOES
# **MOSQUITOES IN OUR DISTRICT**
Mosquitoes are effective vectors (agents that spread disease) of multiple pathogens in our area including West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis, and western equine encephalitis viruses, malaria parasites, and canine heartworm. There are approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes distributed worldwide, 53 different species occur in California and over 20 are found in Sacramento and Yolo counties.
# ***Culex tarsalis* (WESTERN ENCEPHALITIS MOSQUITO)**
This mosquito breeds in wetlands, duck clubs, rice fields and irrigated crops. It is abundant in the rural areas of Sacramento and Yolo Counties, but since it is a strong flier can also be found in cities and towns. In our area *Culex tarsalis* is an effective vector West Nile, western equine encephalitis and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses. This mosquito can be found all year, but it is most active during the summer and fall. *Culex tarsalis* preferentially feeds on birds, but will also feed on mammals and humans when available.
# ***Culex pipiens* (NORTHERN HOUSE MOSQUITO)**
Backyard sources such as ponds, fountains, bird baths, buckets, neglected swimming pools, and foul water sources such as dairy lagoons and catch basins are the prefered breeding habitats for this mosquito. Thus they are commonplace in towns and cities, but can also be found in rural areas. *Culex pipiens* prefers to feed on birds, but will readily feed on humans. This mosquito is an important vector of West Nile and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses, and is mostly active during the summer and fall, but can be found year-round.
# ***Anopheles freeborni* (WESTERN MALARIA MOSQUITO)**
A common and abundant mosquito of rice growing regions of California, *Anopheles freeborni* breeds in rice fields, wetlands, duck clubs, and rain pools. This mosquito is a long distance flier that will readily seek out populated areas in search of a blood meal. Females rest in protected areas over the winter and when the weather begins to warm in the spring this species becomes a marked nuisance when large numbers of hungry females emerge in search of a blood meal. This mosquito was an important vector of malaria in California during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Although malaria has since been eradicated from the area *Anopheles freeborni* can still spread the parasite if they feed on people who were infected elsewhere. This mosquito is briefly active in the spring, and predominantly active in the summer and fall.
# ***Aedes vexans* (INLAND FLOODWATER MOSQUITO)**
This mosquito can be a severe outdoor pest as females are vicious day and nighttime biters. *Aedes vexans* breeds in irrigated pastures and woodland water pools, but can travel up to 10 miles in search of a blood meal. This mosquito is active early spring through late fall and is not an important vector of human disease.
# ***Aedes sierrensis* (WESTERN TREEHOLE MOSQUITO)**
This mosquito utilized water-filled rot holes in trees (treeholes) as a breeding source. Females lay their eggs on the side of the hole along the water line, when the eggs are covered with water the larvae emerge. Adult female mosquitoes generally feed on small mammals, but can become an annoying pest when breeding sources are in close proximity to human activity. Although this mosquito is not an important human disease vector, it is the primary vector of dog heartworm in our area.
# ***Aedes melanimon* (NO COMMON NAME)**
*Aedes melanimon* is a common mosquito found in most inland valleys of California, and is regularly detected in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. It breeds in wetlands, duck clubs and irrigated pastures and can be a major pest in localized areas surrounding breeding habitat. This mosquito is an important secondary vector of western equine encephalitis, perpetuating a transmission cycle among wild rabbits. *Aedes melanimon* prefers to feed on mammals and is most active during the spring and fall.
# **REDUCING MOSQUITOES AROUND YOUR HOME**
Yards are the #1 source for mosquito production. Anything that can hold water for more than a few days has the ability to produce mosquitoes. Maintain, manage or eliminate all types of standing water on a regular basis. Keep in mind that mosquitoes need as little as a 1/2 inch of water to complete their life cycle, therefore some areas may not be as obvious as others.
Check out  where mosquitoes can breed.
# **MOSQUITO LIFE CYCLE**
Mosquitoes need water to exist! This illustration shows the mosquito life cycle from egg to larva to pupa to adult. You can prevent mosquitoes from developing by removing or draining any stagnant water around your home. During peak summer temperatures some mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in as little as 4 to 7 days, however the average length is about 14 days.
# **MOSQUITO PUBLICATIONS**
**[Vectors of
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**[Reducing
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Around Your
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**CONTACT**
info@fightthebite.net
Monday-Friday
7:00am – 3:30pm
**ADDRESS**
8631 Bond Rd
Elk Grove, CA 95624
1234 Fortna Ave
Woodland, CA 95776
**MOSQUITO CONTROL MATTERS**
We help protect your health by controlling mosquitoes that spread disease. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they are a major threat to public health. We use proven, effective methods to control mosquitoes and reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile virus.
 Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved by SparkWorks.
!INVASIVE MOSQUITOES
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
# **HELP US DETECT INVASIVE MOSQUITO SPECIES**
To date, the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti has been detected in Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Arden-Arcade and Elk Grove in Sacramento County. In addition, this mosquito has also been found in cities of Winters and Davis in Yolo County.
Upon any new detection, District staff quickly mobilizes to conduct extensive door to door inspections in affected areas to speak to residents and look for mosquito breeding sources. Laboratory staff enhances their surveillance efforts to quickly determine the extent of the infestation. Depending on findings, mosquito control treatments are performed as necessary.
Invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time in Sacramento County in the city of Citrus Heights in 2019 and since then have also been found in different areas. Currently, District public health efforts are underway to protect all residents and we will continue with ongoing surveillance and control efforts throughout the year.
The *Aedes aegypti* mosquito is one of two mosquito species expanding their range in California. *Aedes aegypti* originated in Africa and *Aedes albopictus*originated in China, both mosquitoes have expanded their range throughout tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. These mosquito species have the potential to spread to our area and are capable of transmitting multiple viruses including Zika, dengue and chikungunya. While these viruses are currently not known to be transmitted in California, human infections are commonplace in tropical regions and can be brought back through travel.
### View our video on how we inspect homes for *Aedes aegypti*
More information:
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For current statewide information on invasive mosquitoes, visit the .
**INNOVATIVE CONTROL METHODS AGAINST INVASIVE MOSQUITOES**
Visit our  page or the , a successful program currently being implemented by the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District in Fresno County using sterile male mosquitoes in the fight against Aedes aegypti invasive mosquitoes.
Additional links:
Visit our  page
View a 
NPR Science Friday: 
**Help us protect public health by learning how to identify invasive mosquito species.** Early detection provides the best chance at eradication. These mosquitoes can easily be moved from place to place as adults in vehicles or as desiccation-resistant eggs, thus they may turn up anywhere. Because these mosquitoes do not travel very far once introduced to an area, they may not be detected by our current surveillance methods. Thus we need your help to keep and eye out for these invaders. Always report mosquito problems, especially aggressive daytime biting mosquitoes, by calling us at 800-429-1022 or ****.
# ***Aedes aegypti*****(YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITO)**
This mosquito has a worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical areas, and in the United states has been established along the east coast and throughout the southern United States. This mosquito is currently expanding its range into California.
* *Aedes aegypti* is a small, dark mosquito, with white-banded legs, and a distinctive white violin-shaped marking on its thorax.
* *Aedes aegypti* has the ability to transmit, among other viruses, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses.
# ***Aedes albopictus*****(ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO)**
This mosquito is native to Asia, was recently re-introduced to Los Angeles County in 2011, and has spread throughout neighboring areas.
* *Aedes albopictus* is a small, black mosquito with white-banded legs, and a striking white stripe down its thorax.
* *Aedes albopictus* has the ability to transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses but it has also been found infected with West Nile, eastern equine encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. It can also transmit dog heartworm.
# **COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF BOTH SPECIES**
* These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters that readily enter homes in search of a blood meal.
* They are approximately 1/8 – 1/4 of an inch in length.
* They prefer biting people but also feed on other domestic animals, mostly mammals.
* The entire aquatic cycle, from the time an egg is laid to the time an adult emerges, can occur in as little as seven to ten days. The lifespan of an adult is about three weeks.
* These species have a short flight range, so egg production sites are likely to be close to where adult mosquitoes are found.
* Eggs are laid over a period of several days, are resistant to drying out, and can survive for periods of six months and beyond. These mosquitoes species are relatively sensitive to cold temperatures and survive the winter as eggs, when the eggs are covered with warm water, larvae emerge and the life cycle continues.
# **Common Breeding Sources of Both Species**
# **The Zika Virus**
**Zika virus is predominantly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito (*Aedes aegypti* or *Aedes albopictus*). Although there has been no record of mosquito-borne Zika transmission in California, infected travelers return to the states each year. When mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika are present, there is always the possibility of local transmission.**
**Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. Zika is also sexually transmitted and can be passed on from an infected person to a partner. Most people with Zika don’t get sick, however those that do get sick may have a fever, rash, joint pain and/or red eyes. There is no vaccine for Zika and preventing mosquito bites is the best protection.**
**Learn more from the  or the **
**[Invasive
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