A non-native mosquito capable of spreading diseases and hasn’t been seen in Alameda County for a decade has been found in a Pleasanton neighborhood, county officials said Thursday.
Residents are being urged to check around homes for standing water after one Aedes aegypti mosquito was discovered Wednesday in an area west of Amador Valley High School and east of Hopyard Road.
It’s the first time since 2014 that the mosquito species, which can spread diseases like dengue, Zika and yellow fever, has been detected in Alameda County, according to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District .
“We take the threat of Aedes aegypti very seriously and we are working quickly to find possible sources in the area,” said Ryan Clausnitzer, general manager of the district.
The invasive mosquitoes are aggressive and bite at any time of day, and are considered “container breeders” that lay eggs just above the water line in small water sources like buckets, pet dishes, fountains and bird baths, plant pots and saucers, and old tires. The eggs can last for more than a year without water.