Invasive mosquitoes found in Winters

Aedes aegypti spreads Zika, dengue and chikungunya

This is the first discovery of invasive mosquitoes for the 2020 season and the first detection ever in Yolo County.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that it has detected the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti in Yolo County.

According to Luz Marie Robles, public information officer for the district, the adult female mosquito was found in a trap near East and Main street in Winters.

This is the first discovery of invasive mosquitoes for the 2020 season within District boundaries and the first detection ever in Yolo County, Robles reported.

“As part of our ongoing surveillance program, we have been setting traps looking for invasive mosquitoes,” said Gary Goodman, district manager. “Finding this mosquito for the first time likely means it could possibly be established anywhere. We will continue to work diligently to look for and identify locations where these mosquitoes can be breeding.”

In August of 2019, invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time in Citrus Heights, however, they have not been found anywhere in Sacramento County this season.

Aedes aegypti are small, dark mosquitoes that lay eggs above water in small containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, bird baths, tin cans, tires and other containers as small as a bottle cap that are commonly found in backyards.

Goodman said the public plays a key role in helping to control the spread of this mosquito because their behavior makes them very difficult to find.

“We need your help! If you are being bitten throughout the day or notice more mosquitoes in your yard, please give the District a call to request a free inspection,” indicated Goodman. All residents are also urged to inspect their yards daily and drain all sources of stagnant water.

In response to the new detection site, the District will increase surveillance efforts by setting up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods that will help assess the spread of the infestation.

Field technicians will conduct door-to-door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites, conduct appropriate treatments as necessary and talk to residents about preventive measures around their home.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is not native to California; it is an aggressive

mosquito that prefers to bite people during the day and has the potential to transmit serious diseases including Zika, dengue and chikungunya.

These mosquitoes are now permanently established

throughout the state and were recently found for the first time in Sutter and Shasta counties. Neighboring San Joaquin County had initially detected these mosquitoes last year and found them again this past

July.

Residents getting mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately by calling 1-800429-1022 or requesting service at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net