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Mosquito district urges residents to remove standing water as West Nile season ramps up
Summary
Sacramento‑Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reported 77 positive mosquito samples in Yolo County last year, described surveillance and sterile insect trials and asked residents to report breeding sites; staff outlined drone and aircraft tools and a ZIP‑code sign‑up for spraying notices.
The Sacramento‑Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District presented its annual update to the board on May 5, warning that warm weather and recent rains are beginning the mosquito season and urging residents to drain standing water.
District manager Gary Goodman said mosquito surveillance detected 77 virus‑positive mosquito samples in Yolo County last year (heavier activity around Davis), and noted that California saw 113 reported human West Nile cases statewide in the prior year. The district runs twice‑weekly testing of trapped mosquitoes, breeds mosquito fish for biological control and uses integrated management including backpack, truck and aerial applications when necessary.
Goodman described last year’s sterile insect technique pilot (SIT) in Natomas—releasing Wolbachia‑infected males to reduce progeny—which the district expects to expand into parts of Winters in late June after planning. He said drones can precisely cover roughly ten acres per flight, and staff coordinate closely with the FAA for certifications.
On public communication, district staff said residents can sign up on the district website by ZIP code to receive notices when adult mosquito control or aircraft applications are planned in their area. They also offered technical tips—change water in birdbaths and pet dishes weekly, remove containers that hold water, and call the district for inspections.
Ending: The presentation was informational; no action was requested. Supervisors thanked the district for responsiveness and asked staff what notifications residents should expect and how to sign up.
