FAQ

What is a mosquito abatement district (MAD)?

A MAD is a special district created to manage and control mosquito populations to protect public health and improve quality of life. The District uses various methods to monitor, reduce, and prevent mosquito breeding.

Why is mosquito control important?

Mosquitoes can carry and transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus. Effective mosquito control reduces the risk of disease transmission.

How does the District control mosquitoes?

The district uses an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which includes:

Surveillance: Monitoring mosquito populations and disease activity.

Larvicide: Applying environmentally friendly treatments to water bodies to kill mosquito larvae, including wide-area larvicide sprays.

Adulticiding: Using ground sprays to reduce adult mosquito populations.

Public education: Informing residents about how to reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes.

How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes around my home?

Eliminate standing water in containers such as flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters.

Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated.

Use screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellent when outdoors.

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

Dead birds can be a sign of West Nile virus activity. If you find a dead bird, contact the West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Call Center at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or report it online at http://westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php. Avoid handling the bird with bare hands.

Are the treatments used by the District safe?

Yes, the treatments, including wide-area larvicide sprays and adult mosquito treatments, are approved by regulatory agencies and applied by trained professionals. These treatments target mosquitoes and pose minimal risk to humans, pets, and the environment when performed by a professional.

What are larvicides and adulticides?

Larvicides: Products used to reduce immature mosquito populations in water. They can be biological or chemical-based and are applied directly to water sources holding mosquito eggs, larvae, and pupae.

Adulticides: Products that rapidly reduce adult mosquito populations, typically using ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying, which distributes a fine mist of droplets to eliminate mosquitoes upon contact.

Do I have to go indoors during adulticide (spray) treatments?

Spraying is safe when applied by a licensed vector control professional. You may choose to stay inside and close windows and doors, but it is not necessary. The spray does not harm pets, though you may choose to bring them inside during spraying.

Do you provide notice of large-scale adulticide treatments in neighborhoods?

Yes, you can sign up for notifications on our website. Visit the "Contact Us" tab, click on "Stay in Touch," and sign up for the type of notifications you would like to receive, including adult mosquito treatments (AMT).

How advanced is the notice for adult mosquito treatments?

The timing of notifications varies due to factors like temperature, wind speed, and mosquito abundance. The district will provide as much advance notice as possible.

Can you provide other types of notification besides email?

Direct physical mail is not viable due to the short operating time frame of adulticide treatments. The district is exploring other notification options, but subscribing to email notifications is currently the best way to stay informed.

How can I request service or report a mosquito problem?

You can request service or report a mosquito problem via phone, email, or our website. Provide as much detail as possible about the location and nature of the issue.

What should I do if I have a mosquito bite that becomes severe?

If you experience a severe reaction to a mosquito bite or show symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness (such as fever, rash, or joint pain), seek medical attention promptly.

Can I get involved with mosquito abatement efforts?

Yes, residents play a crucial role in mosquito control. You can help by keeping your property free of standing water, reporting standing water to us, and staying informed about district activities.

How can I protect myself, my family, pets, and farm animals from mosquito-transmitted diseases?

Avoid areas known to be infested with mosquitoes.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.

Keep your yard free of debris and standing water.

Examine trees for holes or cavities that can hold water.

Empty, turn upside down, or dispose of containers that collect water, such as cans, buckets, and old tires.

Use approved repellents on exposed skin, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ensure pets and farm animals receive regular veterinary care and are properly vaccinated.