Door-To-Door Inspections Prompted By Return Of Invasive Mosquito

CONCORD, CA—The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District is planning door—to—door inspections in North Concord after a dangerous mosquito was collected in a trap.

It is the first known Aedes aegypti mosquito in Contra Costa County since two years ago when the district first found the invasive, non-native mosquitoes in Martinez. The district has continued to set traps in Martinez; however, no additional invasive mosquitoes have been found there.

Aedes agypti is commonly known as the Yellow Fever mosquito, which can transmit the pathogens that cause dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya. The mosquito is very stealth-like, flying low to the ground, and has been called an "ankle-biter" because it commonly bites people on the leg below the knee.

"Today, we found this mosquito in one of our routine West Nile virus surveillance traps, which shows that our surveillance system is working," said Steve Schutz, scientific programs manager for the mosquito and vector control district. "Additional trapping and inspections are being carried out in the area to determine the extent of the infestation and prevent it from spreading."

District employees will go door to door in the surrounding North Concord area to look for signs of these invasive mosquitoes and stop them before the population expands to other communities.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were introduced to Southern California more than 10 years ago. Since then, they have moved from Southern California to Shasta County and are established in 24 California counties. Because these mosquitoes lay sticky eggs, they can easily be transported to new areas. To reduce the risk of these mosquitoes, the district said it is important to dump any standing water in front and backyards, then scrub inside the containers to remove any possible sticky mosquito eggs.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, Contra Costa County residents are encouraged to use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, the repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535. The district said it is also important to follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent.

In addition to dumping all standing water, residents should check their window screens to ensure they fit properly without any gaps or rips in the screen.

Contra Costa County residents who experience day-biting mosquitoes should contact the District and request mosquito service by calling 925-685-9301 or online.