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MOSQUITOES         UPDATE:   West Nile Virus in Santa Barbara County

Mosquitoes are a serious vector and a very obvious public annoyance due to their biting. While most evidence points to AIDS not being vectored by mosquitoes, they are however implicated in the spread of malaria, West Nile virus, viral encephalitis, dengue and several other diseases world wide. In Southern California, the mosquitoes can carry malaria and encephalitis and the Vector Control District actively works at controlling the mosquito populations in this area. Carbon Dioxide and light inspection traps are used regularly to monitor numbers and species of mosquitoes in all areas of the District. Routine examinations are conducted on sentinel chicken flocks to determine if a disease is prevalent in an area.

Water sources which breed mosquitoes are either altered so as to cease being a mosquito source or are treated with environmentally sensitive pesticides to control the mosquito larvae. Other means of Environmentally sensitive Mosquito control include the use of Gambusia affinis, commonly known as the Mosquito fish. Mosquito fish naturally consume any mosquito larvea as a food source, thereby acting as a "biological" mosquito control. These fish are provided by the District, at no charge to South Coast residents of the District, for placement in ornamental ponds, livestock watering troughs, and other small, permanant, water sources thereby further reducing mosquito breeding sites.

MOSQUITO FACTS

• All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle.
• Only seven days are required to complete their life cycle (egg to adult) during warm weather.
• Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although flying adults frequently rest in these areas during daylight hours.
• Only the female mosquito bites to obtain a blood meal. The male mosquito feeds only on plant nectar.
• The female mosquito may live as long as three weeks during the Summer or many months over the Winter in order to lay her eggs in the following Spring.

INFORMATION ONLINE

Common Backyard Mosquito Breeding Sources

Informative graphic depicting potential mosquito breeding hotspots. Are you raising mosquitoes in your backyard? (Approximately 30k).

Mosquito Fact Sheet with West Nile Virus precautions

This form lets you request the District's mosquito fact sheet. It will be sent to you via email.

NEED ASSISTANCE? Have a problem? We can help! Mosquito and Vector Management District Enhanced Services limited to residents of the South Coast Telephone: (805) 969 - 5050 Fax: (805) 969 - 5643