Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animals in the world, with the ability to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These tiny insects are responsible for more human deaths each year than any other animal on the planet, and their impact is felt around the globe.

As California’s wet winter winds down, the state may face another challenge: a problematic mosquito season. The abundance of rain has led to more standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As temperatures rise, the insect population will likely increase, potentially leading to an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses.

Pest control experts suggest that residents take steps to prevent mosquito breeding.

Jim Steed with Neighborly Pest Management suggested, “begin clearing away standing water on your property, such as in outdoor containers and clogged gutters. Large drains that hold water are also a potential source of mosquito activity and should be screened to prevent breeding. Residents should also protect their homes by using screens on windows and doors and repairing any holes or gaps in screens.”

“Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance, but a serious threat to human health. Mosquito-borne illnesses can cause fever, headache, body aches, and other symptoms, and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization or even death.”

Mosquitoes are a serious threat to human health and must be taken seriously. With California’s wet winter potentially leading to an uptick in mosquito activity, residents must take steps to prevent breeding and protect themselves from bites.

For more tips on how to protect your home from mosquitos, we found the Apply Responsibly website to be very helpful: https://applyresponsibly.org/videos/mosquitos/

Jim Steed’s website has a library of California’s most common pests: https://www.neighborlypest.com/pest-library