03 Oct More Dangerous Mosquitoes Found in Antioch; Residents Urged to Dump Standing Water

A map highlights the area between Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were detected on Sept. 4. The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the discovery following a week of rain that left containers filled and standing water throughout Contra Costa County. (Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District via Bay City News)

By Bay City News

More invasive mosquitoes have been found recently in Antioch and officials are urging residents to dump out any standing water from recent rains to help keep them in check.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which were detected between Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue, can carry infectious diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District officials have been trapping the mosquitoes in Antioch since May, and this week, they collected more, said Steve Schutz, scientific programs manager for the district.

“That’s why we need residents to be aware that this week’s rain can provide mosquitoes with more places to develop from egg to adult, so it’s imperative that residents dump out any rainwater that has collected in their yards,” Schutz said.

Commonly referred to as the Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti are small and dark, with white violin-shaped markings on their backs and banded legs.

They are aggressive biters, and will bite throughout the day, with peak feeding times in early morning and late afternoon. The entire aquatic cycle from egg to adult can occur in as little as 7-9 days and they live for about three weeks.

They lay individual eggs, often on dry surfaces, and the eggs are resistant to drying out for six months or longer. During winter, the mosquitoes can survive in the egg stage, and when the eggs are covered with water in warm weather, the mosquitoes continue developing into larvae.

The district is considering conducting a wide-area larviciding event as soon as next week.

District officials urge Contra Costa County residents to dump out any amount of standing water at least once every week.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, residents are encouraged to use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, the repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535.

County residents can also request mosquito service for residential property by calling (925) 685-9301 or online.

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