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OC Mosquito & Vector Control warns of higher mosquito activity, urges 'dump and drain' and pet flea treatment
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Summary
April Josephson, the city's district representative, said mosquito counts and service calls are up compared with the five‑year average, urged residents to remove standing water, described a countywide concern about flea‑borne typhus tied to feral animals, and noted a stage‑one design‑build project at the Garden Grove facility.
April Josephson, Rancho Santa Margarita’s long‑serving representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District board, told the council the district is preparing its public outreach campaign and urged residents to eliminate standing water and report green pools.
"Dump and drain" was the central message Josephson repeated: even a bottle cap of water can breed mosquitoes, she said, and the district will inspect properties and treat problem sites. Josephson told the council that weekly mosquito counts show this year’s abundance is ahead of last year and that March trap data were about twice the usual levels compared with the five‑year average; city service calls and treatments have also doubled in recent months.
Josephson also highlighted an uptick in flea‑borne typhus cases, which the district links to wildlife such as opossums and feral cats. She said trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) programs and pet flea treatment are part of prevention and noted the district has a TNR policy and is coordinating with animal‑care services. The district is beginning stage‑one work on a design‑build project at its Garden Grove location to replace or expand facilities.
Council members asked about Lyme disease, property inspection and treatment protocols, and whether the district can work with animal services to restart TNR programs countywide. Josephson said Lyme has not been a major issue locally, inspectors can provide on‑site recommendations or treatments, and the district is collaborating with Mission Viejo Animal Care and other partners on prevention efforts.
Josephson encouraged residents to visit ocvector.org for service requests and to follow the district’s outreach during California Mosquito Awareness Week. The council thanked her for 12 years of service.
