It may seem early in the season for mosquitos, but one of the wettest years in history has left standing water across the area, creating perfect conditions for these pesky insects to develop. Stagnant water creates havens for disease-spreading mosquitoes, and mosquito experts are concerned this could be a long and intense mosquito season.
These flying pests are annoying with a bite that can be anywhere from mildly irritating to seriously painful. AND they can transmit disease, so it’s a good idea to start with preventing them from breeding. West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes, is the most prevalent and serious mosquito-borne disease in California. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, a disease which can cause debilitating cases of meningitis, encephalitis, and even death. In 2022, there were 209 human West Nile virus disease cases from 28 counties in California, including 13 human deaths.
Don’t let mosquitoes breed in your yard! Anything that can hold water for more than five to seven days can produce mosquitoes. Fountains and bird baths, potted plant saucers, water bowls for pets and rot holes in trees are just a few examples where small amounts of water can accumulate. The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has good information about Ways to Minimize Mosquitoes Around Your Home along with Personal Protection Measures. It’s also a good idea to know what is a mosquito and what’s not – Insects that Resemble Mosquitoes.