California Mosquito Awareness Week begins April 18-24, 2021. Reducing the risk of mosquito-borne virus transmission is a community effort.

Posted on: April 15, 2021 - 2:25pm

You might not think of the desert as mosquito habitat, yet we still find ourselves swatting them away.

April 18 kicks off  California Mosquito Awareness Week. The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to help you understand how to protect your family and yourself from mosquito-borne viruses.

There are over fifty species of mosquitoes in California and they are more than a painful bite. In the Coachella Valley, we have three mosquitoes that can carry viruses, such as West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika.

Mosquitoes only need a tablespoon of water to lay their eggs. These eggs can turn into bloodsuckers in less than a week. Simply dump and drain any dirty stagnant water around your home to reduce mosquito numbers.

Join us virtually April 18-24, 2021 as we highlight the importance of community involvement in lowering the number of mosquitoes in our valley and stopping virus transmission.

Follow our social media platforms @cvmosquito and visit our website cvmosquito.org for more information.

Prevent mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood:

• Check for over watering. Clean lawn drains regularly and reduce or eliminate landscape irrigation run-off to the street.
• Inspect yards for standing water sources. Drain water that collects under potted plants, birdbaths, tires, and any other water holding containers.
• Clean and scrub pet dishes and water features weekly.

Prevent mosquito bites: 

• Don’t go outside around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear insect repellent. EPA registered ingredients.
• Cover up. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
• Check window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

-END-