If you think mosquitoes are gone during Southern California winters, think again!

They're back: Spiced pumpkin lattes, hot cocoa and the holidays. But don't fall for the summer mosquito trick! 

Did you know mosquitoes lay their eggs in containers that have stagnant water? Once laid, mosquitoes can grow from eggs to flying adults in about 7 days! 

It's the time of year when we put away our cold-weather clothes and dust off our warm-weather gear.

On Saturday morning, June 9, 2018, Vector Control staff will conduct a “boots on the ground” exercise in partnership with trained Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Public Health Emergency Volunteers (PHEV).

Bring the Bite: Mosquitoes may get worse in 2018 if we don't take action now.

Choose and use a repellent containing one of the following active ingredients so you can spend time enjoying the outdoors knowing you are protected from biting insects and the diseases they may transmit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              

Collecting rain water is a noble effort, but it’s also a lot more work than most people think. Throwing a rain barrel in the back yard to catch the rain is only the beginning. Holding the water safely and using it quickly can be difficult; and the upkeep and regular inspection required takes a real commitment. If not maintained properly a rain barrel can become a mosquito factory very quickly.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises pregnant women, and men and women of child bearing age, not to go to areas with Zika. If they must go to places with known transmission of the Zika virus, CDPH recommends they protect themselves against sexual transmission of Zika and take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Public health agencies across the country are working together to prepare for localized Zika transmission, which is a very real issue. Vector control districts along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local and state health departments are identifying necessary actions to reduce the risk of a local epidemic, and protect the most vulnerable – our unborn children – from Zika.

"In a very short amount of time Invasive Aedes mosquitoes have made a significant impact to our local environment. Not only are they aggressive biters they are also capable of spreading many diseases that have never before been transmitted locally in California. It is important that every member of the community learn about this emerging threat and support efforts to reduce mosquito populations and the diseases they spread."

Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are rapidly spreading throughout California and can currently be found in more than 130 cities from as far north as Hayward all the way to the Mexican border.