County mosquito district outlines free services and asks residents to report breeding sites

Representatives from the Sanonteo County Mosquito and Vector Control District presented a compact annual update to the Millbrae council and reminded residents of free and low-cost services aimed at reducing mosquito-borne disease risk.

Dr. Muhammad Balum, a district board member, said the district works closely with Millbrae and the county and described the staff's dedication to rapid response. "We take seriously the responsibility of bringing Millbrae's voice to the district table," he said.

Dr. Rachel Cortez Robels, the district communications director, reviewed services the district provides at no additional charge (covered by property taxes): site inspections, mosquito-fish distribution for standing water, insect and tick identification, yellow-jacket control, free rodent inspections and disease surveillance including testing of certain dead birds for West Nile virus. She asked residents to "please report mosquitoes" and to report dead birds, which can be an early indicator of West Nile virus activity.

The presenters invited residents to an open house on the last Saturday in June to learn more about the district's work. When asked, staff confirmed the cost for residents to request services is free and that the district's staff is relatively small (the presenter said the district staff is about 22 full-time employees), so resident reports help target the work.

Takeaway for residents: if you see unusual numbers of mosquitoes or dead birds, report them to the district so staff can test and respond; the district offers free mosquito fish for standing water and other household services.