Click here for more information en español
VENTURA — Mosquito activity is expected to increase following the rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. It is important now to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes by emptying objects that collected water during the rain event. If standing water remains for 7 days or more, eggs can hatch, the larvae will develop, and mosquitoes will emerge to bite and lay more eggs. Mosquitoes are still very active in late summer and fall, and the increase in standing water can lead to an increase in Culex mosquitoes, some of which can transmit West Nile Virus, and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are aggressive day biting mosquitoes that can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water. Aedes aegypti have the ability to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
The Environmental Health Division (Division) monitors and controls mosquitoes at approximately 2,700 mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County. The Division is asking the public to assist in mosquito control efforts by emptying any standing water that has collected in objects or containers in their yards. Objects that hold water should be discarded, altered, or stored in a way to prevent water from collecting. The most effective way to eliminate mosquito breeding is to remove standing water and prevent eggs and larvae from developing.
To help prevent mosquito bites, residents should ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors, limit outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, and apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
To report mosquito activity and potential mosquito breeding sites, call the Mosquito complaint HOTLINE at (805) 658-4310, or go to www.eco.vcrma.org to file a report online.Mosquito-eating fish are available to the public for use in ornamental ponds and water features. To request mosquito-eating fish, residents can call (805) 662-6582. To report dead birds for WNV testing, contact the California Department of Public Health at (877) WNV-Bird (877-968-2473) or visit https://westnile.ca.gov/.
To obtain information about mosquito control and surveillance efforts in Ventura County, please visit the Division’s website:https://rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/environmental-health/vector-control-program/.