The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District is raising awareness about the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito during National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb 23–27). This mosquito can breed in very small amounts of water, even in a bottle cap, and has been found in every city in the county since first being detected locally in 2019. It bites during the day and can spread diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, though no local cases have been reported.
Residents are urged to check their yards weekly for standing water in places like yard drains, potted plant saucers, AC drip pans, pet bowls, and buckets. Draining and scrubbing these containers helps stop mosquito breeding. Chemical sprays are not effective if water sources remain. The district encourages everyone to work together to reduce mosquito habitats and protect the community…