California Mosquito Awareness Week begins April 17-23, 2022. The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to help you understand how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses.

Posted on: April 14, 2022 - 10:14am

Mosquitoes only need two things to thrive in the Coachella Valley. Blood and stagnant water.

The mosquito life cycle begins when a female mosquito takes blood from an animal which she uses to develop her eggs. After developing her eggs, she will need to find a container capable of holding at least a tablespoon of water to lay her eggs.  Then mosquito larvae hatch out of the eggs and grow and develop into pupae and then become adult mosquitoes. They can turn into bloodsuckers in less than a week!

"The number one place we find mosquito larvae is in potted plant saucers! Mosquitoes are more than annoying, they can make you sick." states our Public Information Officer, Tammy Gordon.

Join us virtually April 17-23, 2022, as we share more tips on source reduction, the diseases mosquitoes can transmit, and mosquito control's future. 

Follow our social media platforms @cvmosquito and visit our website www.cvmosquito.org. 

Prevent mosquitoes around your home:

• Check for overwatering. 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 with 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-