Mosquitoes Lurk In CA After A Wet Winter

CALIFORNIA — As the snowpack begins to melt, ramping up flooding concerns in the coming weeks, yet another hazard is lurking in the wake of California's historic winter storms: a mosquito boom.

According to state pest experts, the Golden State is home to more than 50 species of mosquitoes, whose habitats range from low deserts to mountain meadows. While many varieties are uncommon or pose little risk to humans, others target humans and transit diseases including West Nile Virus, malaria, encephalitis, Dengue and Zika.

Relative newcomers to the scene, invasive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes have been identified in much of the state over the last decade, including around some of California's most populous counties. Aedes mosquitoes are aggressive "ankle biters" that can pierce through clothing and reproduce in water sources as small as a bottle cap.

They hunt during the day, preferring humans to animals, and can bite multiple times in succession.

As the weather warms in the wake of unrelenting winter storms, state officials warn that heat and abundant water will make conditions even more favorable for mosquitoes. The insects thrive in standing water, from buckets and plant saucers to pools and ponds. Flooding can create more opportunities.

"One of the big ones for us, in terms of mosquito production, are these unmaintained swimming pools," Steve Vetrone, a director with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District recently told the Los Angeles Times. "Now with the rain, these pools have collected a significant amount of water...and those are the sources that are going to be quite problematic for us in terms of getting a handle on mosquito control."

According to ABC 7, vector control districts are taking a proactive approach against mosquitoes this season, including laying traps and treating wetlands, marshes and storm drains. Officials ask residents to do their part by storing plant saucers, pet dishes, tires, and other objects that can collect water and quickly turn into a breeding ground.

Residents with ponds on their properties can also consider deploying "mosquito fish," which can eat hundreds of mosquito larvae per day. Before heading out the door this summer, state health officials recommend taking a few simple precautions.

"The best way to percent diseases that are spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites: use mosquito repellent on clothes and exposed skin when outdoors (especially at dawn and dusk), and wear long sleeves and pants for extra protection," the California Department of Public Health writes. "You can also keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting by draining standing water around your home."

Mosquito activity typically starts to ramp up around May, peaking in the late summer when the weather is hottest.

>> Learn more about mosquitoes in California here.