The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been detected within the City of Exeter by the Delta Vector Control District.
Aedes aegypti is an efficient carrier of diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and the chikungunya virus and is not native to California. No illnesses associated with this mosquito have been reported at this time. The same type of mosquito was also recently found in Madera, Fresno and Kern Counties. Aedes aegypti is a small, dark mosquito with white markings and banded legs. It may be active around dusk and dawn but bites most often during the day and often bites indoors.
“The public’s help is needed to eradicate this mosquito population before it can become established in our community,” said Michael Alburn, manager of the Delta Vector Control District. “Residents who experience mosquito bites during the day are asked to contact the district.”
To assist in the effort to eradicate this mosquito population and to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, Tulare County residents are strongly urged to:
- Report mosquito bites that occur during the day (anonymously if you like) by calling the Delta Vector Control District toll-free at 1-877-732-8606 or visiting www.DeltaVCD.com. If you are in another area of residency, Delta Vector will re-direct you to the appropriate district.
- When spending time outside, apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside in the early morning and evening.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have holes.
- Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home. This mosquito lays its eggs in water holding containers even if the containers are very small.
Mosquito abatement resources:
- Tulare County Delta Vector Control: Michael Alburn at 732-8606, or www.deltavcd.com/contact_us.html.
- Tulare Mosquito Abatement District: 686-6628.
- Get FREE mosquito fish for backyard ponds or water features by calling 877-732-8606 or by visiting www.DeltaVCD.com.