CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) confirms Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been found within the city of Brentwood.
The initial report of these invasive daytime-biting mosquitoes came from a residential request for service. The District’s laboratory staff members set additional traps in the neighboring area and found more of these mosquitoes.
These non-native mosquitoes are particularly dangerous as they can transmit the viruses that cause Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya from person to person. Preventing them is a District priority.
“These mosquitoes have been spreading throughout California for several years. Previous findings in Martinez and Concord were limited to fairly small areas and, with the cooperation of local residents, we were able to eradicate these mosquitoes and prevent them from spreading. In Antioch; however, by the time residents first reported them to us three years ago, they had already occupied a fairly large area, and conventional residential inspections and treatments have so far not been sufficient to eliminate them,” said Steve Schutz, Scientific Programs Manager
The District will expand surveillance for these mosquitoes in Brentwood to determine how far they have spread and what can be done to contain and eliminate them.
“We need every resident’s cooperation. The previous success in Martinez was only possible because the public did their part in reporting biting mosquitoes, dumping any amount of water, and letting us check their properties for the presence of this mosquito. We now need the help and cooperation of the residents of Brentwood,” said Dr. Paula Macedo, General Manager.
Since these mosquitoes lay their eggs and develop into adults in a variety of water-filled containers, including bird baths, plant saucers, buckets, untreated spas, and unmaintained swimming pools, it’s critically important for all Contra Costa County residents to dump out any standing water in front and back yards to remove locations where these mosquitoes can grow from eggs to adult mosquitoes.
Brentwood residents are asked to report any daytime biting mosquitoes to the District by phone at 925-685-9301 or online.
For residents who spend time outdoors at any time of day or evening, wearing mosquito repellent reduces mosquito bites and the chance of becoming infected with West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne bacteria or viruses.
Repellents with the following ingredients are most effective:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- The repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- IR3535
Always follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent.
Contra Costa County residents pay for District services through property taxes, so there is no additional charge for county residents to request a District service.
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