How to Prevent Mosquito Production on Your Property



Residential front and back yards are often the number one source of mosquitoes in a particular area. Some of the mosquitoes that are found in front and back yards can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV). To reduce the risk of mosquitoes and WNV take the following steps.

Walk around your front and back yards at least once a week and look for any standing water that can accumulate from rain or sprinklers in items including toys, tools, flower pot saucers, bird baths, cans, buckets, and tarps, and dump them out. Then, scrub the inside of the containers to remove any mosquito eggs. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in just a couple of tablespoons of standing water, so by inspecting your property regularly and dumping and scrubbing to remove water and mosquito eggs, you are taking important steps to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and WNV for yourself, your family, and your neighbors; however, WNV is a risk to animals, as well.

WNV is a Risk to Animals, too

Some species of wild birds, especially crows, and jays are very susceptible to WNV and can die. That's why the District encourages Contra Costa County residents to report dead birds to the WNV Call Center (1-877-WNV-Bird). The reports help the District detect the virus throughout the county.

Chickens can also get infected with WNV, yet, they do not get sick from the virus. They are able to fight off the infection while maintaining antibodies that show they have been infected. The District maintains chicken flocks across Contra Costa County for surveillance purposes to detect WNV in specific locations.

Horses are so susceptible to WNV, they can get very sick or die. While there is no vaccination for humans, there is one for horses that has proven effective in preventing serious infection. According to the UC Davis Center for Equine Heath, it is more important than ever for California horse owners to get their horses vaccinated.

"West Nile virus infections in horses continue to be a problem in California. When horses are imported from Europe, they have typically not been vaccinated for West Nile virus and we recommend that owners initiate the vaccination series immediately. Clinical signs of West Nile virus include ataxia, limb paralysis, fever, and acute death. Vaccination against the disease is extremely effective in preventing an infection," said Dr. Carrie Finno, Director of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health.