Commentary: We all need to pitch in to contain the mosquito problem

As Costa Mesa’s representative on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board, I have met with residents in the Lower Bird streets and have been working with staff from OCMVCD, Costa Mesa and Orange County to form a plan to address the mosquito problem in that area. We have begun to act on that plan and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.

To clarify, the type of mosquito coming from the ponds, the tule mosquito, differs from the house mosquito, which breeds in yards and storm drains and was found to be carrying West Nile virus. However, we are working to control all mosquitoes in Costa Mesa. My Aug. 2 City Council presentation on mosquitoes can be accessed on CMTV.

I appreciate the efforts of all the various agencies working to control mosquitoes in our community. They have worked together with unrivaled professionalism and dedication.

But residents must pitch in too. Mosquitoes only need a few days and as little as a spoonful of water to breed.

Dump out any standing water in your yard, even just a saucer under a plant. If you have rain barrels make sure they’re properly sealed.

Don’t root plant cuttings in water. Make sure you refresh and clean any birdbaths or other water elements in your landscape every few days. Inspect out-of-the-way parts of your yard for forgotten toys or pots that may collect water.

Protect your home by repairing any torn screens. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellent outdoors.

Above all, don’t suffer in silence if you are afflicted with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes not only cause discomfort, they can carry diseases.

These include West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and Zika. Currently, the greatest concern in Orange County is West Nile virus, a potentially crippling and sometimes fatal disease that targets the nervous system.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Vector and Mosquito Control at (714) 971-2421 or (949) 654-2421, or ocvcd.org, if there is a mosquito problem in your neighborhood.

In addition, some diseases, like West Nile virus, can infect birds, horses and other animals. Please report any birds dead of apparently unknown causes to OCMVCD at the numbers above.

We must all do our part to control mosquitoes in our community.

--

SANDY GENIS is a Costa Mesa councilwoman and the city’s representative on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board.