As you have probably noticed, there has been an increase in the number of mosquitoes recently due to a variety of factors, including the warmer weather and high tides. The County Vector Control Department is responsible for mosquito abatement, and they have scheduled aerial applications throughout the year to address these issues. The next aerial application is scheduled for today, August 29th, and you might see the helicopters spraying both the San Elijo and San Dieguito lagoons. Another aerial larvicide application is scheduled for September 19, 2018 and, if necessary, October 10, 2018.

Some useful mosquito (and other vectors) information can be found on the County of San Diego’s vector control website and useful fact sheets on preventing mosquito breeding and protecting against mosquito bites can be found here.

The Basics: Getting rid of mosquito-breeding sites is critical to lowering the number of mosquitoes in our community. A mosquito only needs a tiny bottle cap-size pool of water to lay up to 300 eggs, which is why removing standing water is critical.

  • Do not leave standing water in watering cans, empty after each use.
  • Do not let ANY water sit in drip pans under plants. Place sand or fine gravel in the drip pans. Make sure pots are draining well and there are no puddles, even tiny ones can become a breeding ground.
  • Fix any leaky faucets and hoses. Mosquitoes can breed in the water that pools underneath them.
  • Water can collect in cans, bottles, toys, coffee cups, pet bowls, etc. Clear your patio of any potential breeding debris. 
  • Mosquito fish may be picked up free of charge at different locations throughout San Diego County.

Finally, to report mosquito activity or breeding, please call the County at (858) 694-2888 or email vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.