City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2024-00844 6/11/2024 Consent Item 2.
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District Annual Report File ID: 2024-00844
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Contact: Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk, MMC, (916) 808-5442, [email protected], Office of the City Clerk; Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer, (916) 405-2082, [email protected], Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-2024 Current Issues and Challenges Related to Mosquito Control Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The mission of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) is to provide safe, effective and economical mosquito control to protect the health and welfare of all residents. To achieve this, the District utilizes an Integrated Pest Management approach that includes public information, surveillance of mosquito populations and tracking of WNV activity, use of mosquitofish as a form of biological control, working with landowners to prevent mosquitoes from developing on their properties and chemical control to significantly reduce mosquito populations that pose a threat of disease.
In lieu of an annual presentation to the city council, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District is submitting this written update to inform council members and city staff of current mosquito control issues and what can be expected in the upcoming months relating to mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV).
Policy Considerations: Not applicable.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: Not applicable.
File ID: 2024-00844 6/11/2024 Consent Item 2.
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Not applicable.
Financial Considerations: None.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
1 Sacramento Yolo-Mosquito & Vector Control District
2024 Current Issues and Challenges Related to Mosquito Control
OVERVIEW
At the request of the City Manager in lieu of an annual presentation to the city council, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) is submitting this written update to inform council members and city staff of current mosquito control issues and what can be expected in the upcoming months relating to mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV).
The mission of the District is to provide safe, effective and economical mosquito control to protect the health and welfare of all residents. To achieve this, the District utilizes an Integrated Pest Management approach that includes public information, surveillance of mosquito populations and tracking of WNV activity, use of mosquitofish as a form of biological control, working with landowners to prevent mosquitoes from developing on their properties and chemical control to significantly reduce mosquito populations that pose a threat of disease.
WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY
Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of debilitating diseases. Of ongoing concern is West Nile virus which is prevalent and well established in California since 2003. Last year there was a record amount of rain that led to many mosquito breeding sources. In addition, hot temperatures during the summer led to a long and intense West Nile virus season that resulted in a sharp increase in confirmed human cases of WNV. In Sacramento County there were 53 human cases confirmed while Yolo County had 39. This was a huge rise compared to 2022 when there were 5 and 3 cases respectively. Statewide, there were 428 human cases including 19 fatalities.
In the city of Sacramento there were 101 mosquito samples and 77 dead birds that tested positive for the virus. Activity was widespread throughout the city; however there were heavier concentrations of infected birds and mosquitoes in south Natomas, areas along Freeport Blvd and in south Sacramento east of Florin Rd.
In the city of Sacramento, some of the most common mosquito breeding sources include neglected pools, household containers that fill with water in backyards and thousands of street basins. Other sources included river seepage along Discovery Park, areas around Bannon Creek, as well as the greenbelts and riparian corridors that produce a lot of mosquitoes. Lastly, in 2023 there were 7,024 acres of rice planted in areas near north Natomas; more than double the amount from the previous year. Since rice fields can hold water for much of the summer, they are major mosquito breeding sources that require ongoing agricultural aerial spraying. As a result of all the WNV detections, the District responded with ground-based treatments around parks, greenbelts, golf courses, and other open areas to reduce mosquito populations that could pose a public health threat.
2 This year, our WNV surveillance efforts and currently there are no mosquitoes or dead birds that have tested positive. This will likely change as temperatures increase over the next few weeks and into the summer months.
INVASIVE MOSQUITOES
Since 2011 the invasive mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) have been spreading rapidly throughout California. These are small dark mosquitoes that bite aggressively during the day, dwell in urban areas both indoors/outdoors and prefer to bite people around the ankles, elbows and wrists. Invasive mosquitoes lay individual eggs on the sides of common backyard containers such as plant saucers, buckets and pet bowls. They require a very small amount of water and can even breed in a bottle cap. Invasive Aedes eggs are resistant to drying out and can survive for many months.
Invasive mosquitoes pose a public health threat because they can transmit debilitating diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. The presence of these invasive mosquitoes in our area pose a threat for local virus transmission from returning travelers that may be infected. Last year, for the first time ever in California, there were two locally acquired cases of dengue in southern California.
3 Invasive mosquitoes were first found within the city of Sacramento in October 2021 near Elder Creek Rd. and since have spread to different areas. Currently, the largest infestations of invasive mosquitoes are in south Natomas - especially along Northgate Blvd. - and in upper Land Park. Last year, new detections of invasive mosquitoes were found in Capitol Park and near the intersection of Fruitridge Rd. east of Martin Luther King Blvd.
Unfortunately, the number of known infestation areas are growing and this year invasive mosquitoes have already been found in south Natomas and Elder Creek, north of Florin Rd. This trend will likely continue through the fall months when populations of invasive mosquitoes peak.
As part of the District surveillance efforts in response to invasive mosquitoes, the laboratory routinely monitors Aedes populations using specialized traps to detect new infestations. In addition, field technicians conduct door to door inspections in affected areas looking for potential mosquito breeding sites, making appropriate treatments as necessary, and talking to residents about preventive measures around their home.
WHAT CAN RESIDENTS DO TO HELP FIGHT THE BITE?
Remember to apply a good insect repellent when spending time outdoors At least once a week, check your property and drain standing water from plant saucers, buckets, kiddie pools, dog dishes, old tired, wheelbarrows, and trash cans. Clean and scrub containers that can hold water
Repair leaky faucets and re-direct sprinklers so containers are not filled with water Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
4 Empty bird baths and fountains regularly
Clean rain gutters that may be clogged with leaves
Cover bins, buckets, and rain barrels with fitted lids Keep potential sources dry when not in use
FREE DISTRICT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR ALL RESIDENTS
If you are having problems with mosquitoes, request a free home service inspection Mosquitofish are available for your pond, fountain, or watering trough Mosquito repellent wipes for senior centers, neighborhood associations, service groups, sports leagues, summer camps, and homeowners
Presentations for schools, community groups, and neighborhood associations To request any of our services or to report a mosquito breeding problem visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net or call us at 1-800-429-1022