Officials warn about mosquitoes

Officials are warning residents to remove standing water from around their property as unseasonably warm temperatures are creating prime breeding weather for mosquitoes.

Michael Kimball, district manager with the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District, said urban areas are of more concern as they produce mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus.

“Many of the homes our staff visited had multiple containers of water that had larvae,” Kimball said. “It’s simple to do a quick walk around and dump out those containers with standing water – it’ll make life more pleasant in your backyard.”

He said mosquitoes can fly up to 10 miles, so taking the preventive measure helps everyone, especially with the threat of West Nile.

“We always have a disease risk with West Nile virus,” Kimball said. “It’s an endemic disease, and it’s here to stay.”

Buckets, tires, flower pots, bird baths and other items that hold water can breed thousands of mosquitos over the season.

Kimball said there have been no reported human cases of the virus this year; in 2016, Sutter County had 11 cases and Yuba County had 10.

In 2015, there were 11 cases in both counties, and Kimball said there have been years with no reported human cases. One year, there were 25 cases in both counties.

He said swimming pools can be the biggest breeding areas for mosquitoes and emphasized that residents won’t get a fine, ticket or be in trouble if a staff member with the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District pays them a visit.

“When we show up at a home, we’re not looking to get anyone in trouble,” Kimball said.