LIVERMORE, CA — The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement said that it discovered two adult Aedes aegypti mosquitos in two sites in Livermore August 8.
The mosquito is not native to California, and can spread diseases such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. It is an aggressive mosquito that bites throughout the day, often near the ankles. They lay their eggs just above the waterline in small, artificial water sources like buckets, pet dishes, fountains, bird baths, plant saucers, and old tires.
One mosquito was found in an industrial area near the Livermore Water Reclamation Plant, between Isabel Avenue and Jack London Street, according to the district. The second was identified southeast of Jack Williams Park, between Holmes Street and Alden Lane.
This is the first detection of the species in Livermore. In July, larvae were detected in a trap at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
District staff are inspecting public and private properties in Livermore, in cooperation with resident, businesses, and the city.
“The quickest way to prevent this annoying and potentially dangerous mosquito species from becoming established is to act now,” Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer said in a statement. “We urge residents to grant yard access so we can ensure no one is accidentally breeding mosquitoes.”
Residents of Livermore and Alameda County are urged to inspect their properties for standing water, a breeding habitat for mosquitos. The mosquito can grow from an egg to an adult in areas as small as a bottle cap of water. An adult mosquito is slightly less than a quarter-inch long, with black and white stripes on its back and legs. They are known to be highly aggressive and active during daylight hours.
To protect yourself from bites:
- Apply insect repellents containing EPA-registred ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and shoes when mosquitos are most active
- Ensure window and door screens are in good condition.
- Report mosquitos biting during the day to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District at 510-783-7744 or at www.mosquitoes.org.
If you develop symptoms like a fever, headache, or joint or muscle pain, contact your doctor.
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