Help Fight Mosquitoes
If you think you’ve noticed more mosquitoes around lately, you’re right. According to the County of San Diego Vector Control Program, the warm weather and higher than normal tides have resulted in a sudden increase in mosquitoes.
Thought mosquitoes only lived in fresh water? Nope. The Black Salt Marsh Mosquito lays eggs in the ground in areas where salt water will eventually wet them so they can hatch.
What is being done
The County of San Diego is in charge of “vector control,” which deals with bugs and rodents that carry disease, including mosquitoes, rats, fleas and ticks. The county helps control mosquitoes by spreading larvicide in areas that harbor mosquito eggs.
Mosquito larvicide is spread via helicopter to mosquito breeding areas that cannot be treated by hand. These aerial applications occur every three to four weeks during the mosquito breeding season, generally April to October, or as needed. The larvicide consists of granules containing naturally occurring bacteria that specifically target mosquito larvae and prevent them from developing into biting adults. The granules are not harmful to people, pets or wildlife.
What you can do
1. Get rid of standing water
Several types of mosquitoes depend on standing water to breed. Regularly check around your house and get rid of all standing water, even tiny amounts.
2. Put mosquito fish in fountains and ponds
If you have a pond, fountain or bird bath, pick up free mosquito fish. The two closest locations to Carlsbad are:
Aquatica
500 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, #101B, San Marcos, CA 92078
Tuesday: 4 to 7 p.m./Wed, Thurs, Friday: 1 to 7 p.m./Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m./Sun, Mon. – Closed
760-597-0445
Underwater Environments
155 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
Mon. to Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m./ Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
760-634-1404
3. Report mosquito activity
The County of San Diego relies on local reports to track mosquito activity and target control efforts. Use the online form, call 858-694-2888, or email vector@sdcounty.ca.gov. Include as many details as possible, including what the mosquitoes look like (brown or black and white striped), what time of day you got bit (or saw them).
If you see standing water on city property, report it to help@carlsbadca.gov or call 760-434-2820. Or use our online app Carlsbad @ Your Service (download from your app store).
