Even though it is only February, it will not be long before Springtime arrives along some of our summer pests. Although the Mosquito Abatement District does an excellent job in this County, there are things that everyone can do, starting now, to help keep the mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus under control.
These steps are known as the four “D’s”·
DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since this is where mosquitoes lay eggs, including cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, toys and puddles·
DUSK and DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites·
DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents·
DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is passed primarily between birds by mosquitoes. Humans, horses and animals can become infected with WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito.
The Mosquito Abatement District was originally formed in 1914. Each city in the County has one representative who serves on the Board. The primary charge of the District is surveillance and treatment of mosquito habitats.
One of the services provided by the District is the distribution of mosquito eating fish in outdoor ponds. If you have an outdoor fish pond and would like to have some mosquito eating fish (free of charge), call the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District at (650) 344-8592.
The District also has a program to deal with wasp and yellow jacket nests.
My thanks to Ron Anderson, Foster City representative on the District Board for the information he provided for this article.
Councilmember Wilder can be reached at dwilder@fostercity.org.
print 