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The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District has found four additional Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Pleasanton after announcing last week the discovery of the non-native insect that hadn’t been seen in the county for a decade and is capable of spreading diseases.
The district placed traps in areas south of the Amador Valley neighborhood of Pleasanton and found mosquitoes inside and near the Alameda County Fairgrounds and neighborhoods northeast of the fairgrounds.
An Aedes aegypti mosquito was previously discovered Oct. 9 in an area west of Amador Valley High School and east of Hopyard Road, the first time since 2014 that the species was detected in Alameda County. The Aedes aegypti mosquito can spread diseases like dengue, Zika and yellow fever, according to the district.
Mosquito district staff are going to all properties in the area to inspect for mosquitoes, which lay their eggs near water, and estimated they have inspected about a quarter of the properties in the initial detection area. The aim is to stop the mosquitos from establishing permanently in the neighborhood.
“The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District appreciates the help of residents who allowed inspections on their property,” district general manager Ryan Clausnitzer said in a statement Tuesday. “Staff have been in the area conducting inspections over the weekend, and will continue to inspect properties over the next few weeks.”
Staff members doing the inspections will be in uniforms with a logo on their shirts and will have additional identification if requested. The district said it is also working with fairgrounds staff to enhance monitoring and treatment for mosquitoes at that site.
Aedes aegypti is present in 19 counties throughout the state, including neighboring Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties.
“If Aedes aegypti gains a foothold in Alameda County, it will not only threaten public health but also affect our quality of life, as these mosquitoes are highly aggressive and active during the day, unlike native mosquito populations, which are most active in the morning and evening, when temperatures are cool,” the district said on its website.
The invasive mosquitoes are aggressive and bite at any time of day, and are considered “container breeders” that lay eggs just above the water line in small water sources like buckets, pet dishes, fountains and bird baths, plant pots and saucers, and old tires. The eggs can last for more than a year without water.
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, residents are encouraged to use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, the repellent version of oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
Wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active is also advised, and residents should ensure that window and door screens are in good condition.
More information on the district and its programs can be found on its website at https://www.mosquitoes.org.
