West Nile Virus Information

Information from the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District

Mosquitoes in Placer County

Over 30 mosquito species occur in Placer County. Not all of these mosquitoes are nuisances (some do not even bite people), and not all of these mosquitoes are able to transmit diseases. The mosquitoes that play the greatest role in WNV transmission are the Culex mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are found anywhere where people live, including Serene Lakes. Culiseta mosquitoes are another common mosquito in the High Sierras, and are also very effective vectors of West Nile virus. Both the Culex and Culiseta mosquitoes develop in standing water found in containers in backyards. Both are stealthy in their feeding habits, and we often only notice their bites many hours later. You can do a lot to reduce your family’s risk – and your neighbors’ risk - of WNV by eliminating standing water in your yard. By inspecting your yard once a week, and dumping out any standing water (buckets, wheelbarrow, clogged roof gutters, toys, tarps, etc.), you can prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your backyard and help to protect your family, your neighbors, and your pets from mosquito bites and West Nile virus.

West Nile Virus

Historically, WNV activity has not been detected in the Donner Summit area, but the mosquito capable of transmitting WNV does exist. One bird has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) just over the border in Reno, NV in 2010.

Although an estimated 80% of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not become ill, 20% will experience moderate to severe symptoms that may persist for weeks or months, and some people may never recover completely. People over 50 years of age or with compromised immune systems are much more likely to have serious symptoms.

We recommend that all residents can help protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness by following the “Three Ds:”

DRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
DEFEND yourself and your home against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, dressing appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and keeping door and window screens in good working condition.
Contact the DISTRICT for help. We are here to serve you. Call us at (888) 768-2343, or visit us online at www.placermosquito.org

The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District website, www.placermosquito.org is a good resource for those who would like to report a mosquito problem or get more information about mosquitoes and other vectors.

Mosquito Control using BTI

BTI is a naturally occuring soil bacterium that can effectively kill mosquito larvae present in water. BTI is very specific for mosquitos and black flies. When eaten by the mosquito larvae the spores release toxins into the mosquito's gut, causing the larvae to stop eating and die.

BTI is available in liquid, briquette, and granular form. A common BTI product is a doughnut shaped block called Mosquito Dunks. They dissolve slowly in water and are effective for up to 30 days. A faster form of the product comes in granular form. It is effective for up to 2 weeks, and starts working within 24 hours of application.

The Placer County Mosquito Ababement District encourages the use of these products in backyard mosquito sources that cannot be eliminated or drained, such as ornamental ponds and out-of-service (“green”) swimming pools and spas. These “backyard sources” are the most common source for the Culex mosquito species that transmit West Nile virus; because the Culex mosquitoes typically do not fly far, residents can literally reduce the risk of contracting this disease by draining or treating mosquito habitats in their own yards. However, I would discourage residents and the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA) from using these products in the public and natural areas for the following reasons:

West Nile Virus Information

Fight the Bite

Why should you worry about West Nile virus?

What can you do?

Keep your home safe!

Tell your friends and neighbors!

For more facts

Some Interesting LOCAL information

Mosquito Control using BTI

	Serene Lakes Property Owners Association

	West Nile Virus Information Information from the "Fight the Bite" brochure Some interesting LOCAL information Mosquito Control Using BTI Fight the Bite The information below is from the "Fight the Bite" brochure from the Calif Dept of Health Services. Why should you worry about West Nile virus? West Nile virus can make you and your family sick. West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. You get West Nile virus from a mosquito bite You can feel sick 3 – 15 days after a mosquito bites you. People who get sick may feel like they have the flu. They may have: Fever Headache Body Aches Rash Some people who get West Nile virus get very sick and die. Most people who have gotten really sick have been about 50 or older, but everyone needs to be aware of mosquitoes, and keep them away. Call your doctor or clinic if you have questions. What can you do? Avoid mosquito bites! Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and early evening hours. Two hours after the sun sets is when mosquitoes bite the most. If you go out at these times wear long pants and long sleeved shirts. Also, use insect repellent with DEET in it. Put the repellent on your skin that is not covered by clothes. The DEET in the insect repellent keeps mosquitoes from biting you. Follow the directions carefully. Keep your home safe! Mosquitoes lay their eggs and grow in standing water. It only takes 7 days for a mosquito egg to hatch and become an adult mosquito. Get rid of standing water around your home. Empty water out of buckets, old tires, flower pots and toys. Change water every few days from pet bowls and bird baths. Keep good screens on your windows and doors. Screens will keep mosquitoes out. Tell your friends and neighbors! West Nile virus is now found throughout California. Dead birds are a sign that West Nile virus is in your area. Birds like crows, ravens, and jays get very sick and can die from West Nile virus. You do not get West Nile virus from touching a dead bird. To monitor the spread of the virus, the State is tracking dead birds. To report a dead bird, go to www.westnile.ca.gov or call toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD or 1-877-968-2473. For more facts California Department of Health Services West Nile Website Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website Placer County West Nile Virus Website Placer County Mosquito Abatement District Nevada County West Nile Virus Website Some Interesting LOCAL information Information from the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District Mosquitoes in Placer County Over 30 mosquito species occur in Placer County. Not all of these mosquitoes are nuisances (some do not even bite people), and not all of these mosquitoes are able to transmit diseases. The mosquitoes that play the greatest role in WNV transmission are the Culex mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are found anywhere where people live, including Serene Lakes. Culiseta mosquitoes are another common mosquito in the High Sierras, and are also very effective vectors of West Nile virus. Both the Culex and Culiseta mosquitoes develop in standing water found in containers in backyards. Both are stealthy in their feeding habits, and we often only notice their bites many hours later. You can do a lot to reduce your family’s risk – and your neighbors’ risk - of WNV by eliminating standing water in your yard. By inspecting your yard once a week, and dumping out any standing water (buckets, wheelbarrow, clogged roof gutters, toys, tarps, etc.), you can prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your backyard and help to protect your family, your neighbors, and your pets from mosquito bites and West Nile virus. West Nile Virus Historically, WNV activity has not been detected in the Donner Summit area, but the mosquito capable of transmitting WNV does exist. One bird has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) just over the border in Reno, NV in 2010. Although an estimated 80% of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not become ill, 20% will experience moderate to severe symptoms that may persist for weeks or months, and some people may never recover completely. People over 50 years of age or with compromised immune systems are much more likely to have serious symptoms. We recommend that all residents can help protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness by following the “Three Ds:” DRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes. DEFEND yourself and your home against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, dressing appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and keeping door and window screens in good working condition. Contact the DISTRICT for help. We are here to serve you. Call us at (888) 768-2343, or visit us online at www.placermosquito.org The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District website, www.placermosquito.org is a good resource for those who would like to report a mosquito problem or get more information about mosquitoes and other vectors. Mosquito Control using BTI BTI is a naturally occuring soil bacterium that can effectively kill mosquito larvae present in water. BTI is very specific for mosquitos and black flies. When eaten by the mosquito larvae the spores release toxins into the mosquito's gut, causing the larvae to stop eating and die. BTI is available in liquid, briquette, and granular form. A common BTI product is a doughnut shaped block called Mosquito Dunks. They dissolve slowly in water and are effective for up to 30 days. A faster form of the product comes in granular form. It is effective for up to 2 weeks, and starts working within 24 hours of application. The Placer County Mosquito Ababement District encourages the use of these products in backyard mosquito sources that cannot be eliminated or drained, such as ornamental ponds and out-of-service (“green”) swimming pools and spas. These “backyard sources” are the most common source for the Culex mosquito species that transmit West Nile virus; because the Culex mosquitoes typically do not fly far, residents can literally reduce the risk of contracting this disease by draining or treating mosquito habitats in their own yards. However, I would discourage residents and the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA) from using these products in the public and natural areas for the following reasons: The absence of a coordinated application program will likely lead to over- or under-applications of mosquito control products. Mosquito sources need to be inspected to determine if mosquito larvae are present, and only then should mosquito control products be applied. My greatest concern however, is that the under-application of these products by non-certified personnel will promote resistance in the mosquito populations, and will reduce the effectiveness of B.t.i., and limit the mosquito control options available in the future.
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