Mosquito control district readies for season; West Nile remains top local threat, trials planned for Aedes control

The Sacramento‑Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District presented its annual update to the Board of Supervisors on April 22, describing the 2025 mosquito season outlook, ongoing West Nile surveillance and new control strategies for invasive Aedes species.

District Manager Gary Goodman told the board disease season typically runs June through October and said the district has already detected early mosquito activity from spring rains. West Nile virus remains the principal local public‑health concern: the district monitors mosquitoes and dead birds, uses traps and laboratory testing, and responds with targeted control in areas where virus activity is detected.

Goodman described the district’s integrated mosquito management program, including public education, trap surveillance, a large mosquito‑fish breeding and planting operation (about 3,500 pounds of fish used in the county), and cooperative work with rice farmers, reclamation districts and landowners to reduce breeding habitat. The district also uses drones, trucks and ATVs for larvicide and adulticide treatments when needed.

Goodman said the district has detected invasive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in recent years — species that are efficient vectors of dengue, Zika and chikungunya — and described plans to pilot an incompatible insect (sterile‑male) technique trial in the Natomas area to suppress Aedes populations if community partners agree.

Board members asked about coordination with reclamation districts and city councils; the district said it routinely works with farmers, reclamation districts, wildlife managers and all incorporated cities to align practices and communications. The district asked residents to report standing water, bad pools or nuisance mosquitoes so staff can investigate.