Encinitas Residents Can Help With Mosquito Population Control

ENCINITAS, CA—A sizeable south county mosquito breeding area was the focus of intense scrutiny this week as officials planned an aerial larvicide drop to curtail West Nile virus and other diseases spread by the insect.

The plan was to conduct larvicide drops on approximately 50 rivers, streams, ponds, and other waterways in the Tijuana River Valley to limit mosquito breeding. Vector Control planned the drops for June 26 and 27, the second of such efforts in June. Vector Control will monitor the work and determine if the drops in the newly discovered stagnant ponds are working.

According to the county, the larvicide used causes no harm to people or pets. However, they will kill mosquito larvae before they can grow into adults and spread diseases.

As of mid-June, no cases of West Nile virus have been documented in 2024. Still, vector control officers say, "Some mosquitoes and birds found have tested positive for the virus.

Along with aerial drops, vector control crews have been conducting surveillance of mosquitoes and larvicide treatments on the ground.

How San Diegans Can Help Curtail Mosquito Populations:

County officials advised residents to help prevent mosquito breeding by dumping or removing any items that can hold water and to obtain mosquito fish, which are given out for free by county officials. One of the best ways for owners of small ponds or fountains is to introduce mosquito fish, which also eat the larvae.

Mosquitofish are one of the best ways that residents can help control mosquito breeding populations from populating in green, stagnant swimming pools, fountains, and ponds, they say. "You will only need a few mosquitofish initially. These fish reproduce and grow to fit their environment."

Find your mosquito fish at one of the locations below, and remember to first call the distribution location you plan to visit in advance to ensure they have mosquitofish in stock:

• City Heights: City Farmers Nursery, 4832 Home AvenueSan Diego, 619-284-6358
• Escondido: Pets Plus: 415 West Felicita Ave. #B Escondido, 760-738-5200
• Escondido: The Love Aquarium: 2203 E Valley Pkwy Escondido, 760-741-152
• Escondido: Pet Supplies Plus: 1895 S. Centre City Parkway, Escondido, 760-294-0130
• Kearny Mesa: County of San Diego Vector Control Program, 5570 Overland Ave. #102, San Diego, 858-694-2888
• Lakeside: County of San Diego Lakeside Community Center: 9841 Vine St., Lakeside, 619-443-9176
• San Diego: Pet Kingdom: 3191 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, 619-224-2841
• San Diego: Walter Andersen Nursery: 3642 Enterprise St. San Diego, 619-224-8271
• San Marcos: Aquatica, 500 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. #101B, San Marcos, 760-597-0445
• Valley Center: Joe's Country Feed and Pet, 27847 Valley Center Road.Valley Center, 760-749-9328
• Vista: Underwater Environments, 1988 S Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, Call 760-634-1404

If you have too many fish, Vector Control can come and collect the extra fish. More tips on how to care for mosquitofish are available here.

"We're at the peak of mosquito season right now, so we all need to be proactive and take measures to prevent exposure to mosquitoes," said John-Ross Glueck, interim director of the county's Environmental Health Division. "In addition to the county's diligent vector control efforts, people can make a difference at home or work."

To report mosquito activity or request a mosquito inspection from the county, contact the Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.