- Author: Mackenzie Faith Patton
The invasive pest spotlight focuses on emerging or potential invasive pests in California. In this issue we are covering West Nile virus.
West Nile Virus Facts
West Nile virus disease was first reported in California in 2003 and has become the most common and serious vector-borne disease in California. With the exceptionally wet weather in 2023, reported cases of this mosquito-borne virus doubled compared to the previous year.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes in the genus Culex. Usually, the virus passes between mosquitoes and birds, but mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other domestic animals.
Because mosquitoes can get the virus...
As summer quickly approaches and we find ourselves getting outside a bit more, remember to take care to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
According to Gary Goodman, District Manager of Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector control, many residents are anxious and excited to get outside and enjoy the warm weather so it's important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing a good mosquito repellent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using an insect repellent that contains the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus. Aside from personal protection against mosquito bites, it's important to ensure mosquitoes are not breeding at home. Drain...
(Credit: James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
With recent rains in many parts of California and the weather warming up, it's time once again to think about mosquito prevention and control. Even though we are all mostly indoors right now, there are things we can do to reduce mosquito-breeding areas in our backyards, gardens, patios, and other areas that hold standing water. UC IPM has information to help.
In the newly revised Pest Notes: Mosquitoes, you'll find general mosquito prevention tips as well as information on the most recent mosquitoes to become established in California: species in the...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Elaine Lander
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Whether you're having a backyard barbecue or enjoying outdoor activities as the weather warms up, it's important to protect yourself from mosquitoes and their bites. Not only can these buzzing insects be a nuisance, certain mosquito species can transmit West Nile virus and other public health threats in California.
Late spring rains followed by warm, sunny days can create the perfect mosquito breeding habitat. Mosquitoes need very little standing water to lay eggs that can hatch in as little as one day. So remember, drain after the rain to fight biting mosquitoes!
What should you do to protect yourself? If...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
This article was written for the UC IPM Retail Nursery and Garden Center News, a publication directed at retail nursery store employees. With the recent confirmed human West Nile virus deaths in California, it's important to understand how mosquitoes reproduce and what you can do to prevent them around your home or other areas.
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You've likely heard about ways to get rid of mosquito breeding sites around your home and landscape, as well as how to protect yourself from being bitten. But what should you do if you own or work at a...
