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Vector-control district warns Woodland of invasive mosquitoes and outlines sterile-insect pilot
Summary
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District warned Woodland that late rain followed by warm weather could produce an active mosquito season, highlighted invasive day-biting species detected locally and described a sterile-male release pilot that reduced mosquitoes about 40% in a South Natomas test area.
Luz Maria Robles, public information officer for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, told the Woodland City Council on May 19 that a rainy spring followed by warm temperatures is likely to make 2026 an active mosquito season and that residents should check yards weekly for standing water.
Robles said the district's surveillance program tests trapped mosquitoes for West Nile virus and tracks a broader set of vector species; last year Woodland had very little West Nile activity (one mosquito sample), while the state recorded 113 human West Nile cases. She also described detections of two aggressive, day-biting invasive mosquito species that can breed in very small water sources and noted a growing concern about dengue where those species establish.
To address the invasive species, Robles described a pilot sterile-insect technique (SIT) in South Natomas that released sterile males infected with Wolbachia bacteria; the district reported about a 40% reduction in mosquito populations in that test area. She emphasized the sterile males do not bite and that the method complements surveillance, biological controls such as mosquito fish (distributed free), and targeted control operations.
Robles answered council questions about nuisance insects and explained the district does not spray for some non-public-health nuisance species ("no-seams") because they do not pose a public-health threat. She said the district provides free resources for ponds (mosquito fish) and wipes for outdoor events and works closely with Yolo County Public Health.
"Mosquitoes kill more people worldwide than any other animals," Robles said during the presentation to underscore the public-health importance of mosquito surveillance and control.
The item was informational; no council action was required.
