City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-01118 7/29/2025
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District Annual Report File ID: 2025-01118
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Contact: Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk, (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
2-2025 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.
File ID: 2025-01118 7/29/2025
Environmental Considerations: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): The proposed action is not a project under CEQA because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines §15378(b)(5).) 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
2025 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. This year West Nile virus activity is off to a slower than usual start and while some mosquito samples and dead birds have tested positive, it is significantly less than other years. To date we have 20 mosquito samples and 6 dead birds that have tested positive for WNV.
In 2024, in the city of Sacramento there were 21 mosquito samples and 39 dead birds that tested positive for the virus. Activity was mainly concentrated in areas near Land Park and the Pocket. 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 include 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 2024 there were 7388 acres of rice planted in areas near North Natomas. 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 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 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. In 2023 for the first time ever in Southern California, there were two locally acquired cases of dengue in southern California and in 2024 that number drastically increased to 18 cases
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, in upper Land Park and in South Sacramento between Fruitridge Rd. and Lemon Hill Ave.
3 In response to the continued spread of invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the region, the District officially launched the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Pilot Program in South Natomas on July 9th. This innovative project, which will continue through October, involves the weekly release of non-biting sterile male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria. When these males mate with wild females, the resulting eggs do not hatch—gradually reducing mosquito populations over time.
In preparation for the launch, the District implemented targeted community outreach to ensure residents were informed and engaged. Door hangers were distributed to all homes in the pilot area, outreach materials were developed and staff participated in several community events and presentations to speak directly with residents and answer questions. These efforts helped raise awareness and build understanding about how the program works and what residents can expect.
Throughout the pilot program, the District will conduct ongoing surveillance by placing mosquito traps throughout the release area to monitor population levels and track progress. The District is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a noticeable reduction in Aedes aegypti mosquito populations in South Natomas.
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