Beware of these critters!

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Staff Reports

Ontario – The onset of warm weather has increased mosquito breeding in the West Valley. Vector Control surveillance has seen increased adult mosquitoes in their traps designed to catch females looking for a blood meal and those looking for a water source to deposit their eggs.

The West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District warns residents that the breeding season is upon us, and preventing mosquito breeding in your backyard early will pay off in the long run! The District has sent reminder letters to residents to clean up pools and water sources now so they won’t have to worry about visits from mosquitoes or mosquito control technicians!

This is a perfect time to take a moment and remove those pesky critters from your yard.  A few weeks ago, the District conducted aerial surveillance flights for suspect water sources in backyards in the northern portion of the district (Rancho Cucamonga, North Ontario, Montclair), and sent letters out to residents with neglected swimming pools shortly thereafter. Technicians visited homes to help reduce mosquito breeding threats throughout the following week.

The District reminds residents that the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is a Public Health Agency, and its mission is to provide help and protection against mosquitoes and other vector-borne diseases. The District also provides mosquitofish, a small, guppy-like fish that residents can put in water sources such as ponds, fountains, and water gardens to control mosquito breeding.

The District is here to help with mosquito problems, and will even take anonymous calls regarding green pools or other mosquito breeding sources.  It takes everyone’s participation to help fight mosquito-transmitted diseases, including West Nile Virus and Malaria.

For more information, call (909) 635-0307, or visit www.wvmvcd.org.