Disease Carrying Mosquitos Found in Santa Clara County
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been found in East San Jose, Santa Clara, and Gilroy. This mosquito is of concern because it has the potential to spread diseases, like Zika, dengue, and yellow fever.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately to the Vector Control District at (408) 918-4770 or [email protected].
Aedes aegypti is about a quarter inch in size with black and white stripes on its back and legs. It does not fly long distances, venturing less than 500 feet from where it hatches. The mosquitoes are “container breeders,” preferring to lay their eggs just above the water line in small, artificial sources of water such as buckets, pet dishes, fountains and bird baths, plant pots and saucers, and old tires.
The public plays a critical role in controlling the spread of this mosquito as well as native mosquitoes. Residents throughout Santa Clara County should look around their property and dump out even the smallest amount of standing water. Cleaning and scrubbing bird baths, pet dishes and other containers is a good way to remove any lingering Aedes aegypti eggs, which are about half a millimeter in size and look to the naked eye like tiny bits of dirt.
Residents should also:
- Properly screen rain barrels, cisterns and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access.
- Fix leaky water faucets and broken sprinkler heads and avoid overwatering lawns and plants.
- Ensure window and door screens are in good condition with no holes or tears and are tight-fitting.
- Make sure the water level of swimming pools is adequate for proper circulation and filtration.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Apply insect repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, always following label instruction.
- Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
- Make sure your window and door screens are in good condition.