Mosquito abatement is the Coastside’s front line against West Nile

Not long ago the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District annexed the coastside and is now out here every day, working to prevent mosquito and West Nile outbreaks.  The district has assigned an officer to cover the coastside from Daly City all the way down to about Santa Cruz.

Abatement officer Kim was out near the Half Moon Bay Airport today, and agreed to answer a few questions about how they treat standing water to stop mosquitos.

She told me about several approaches they have at their disposal, and noted that they decide which to use based on the conditions at each specific site. For example, if mosquito larvae are within a day or so of leaving the water, they apply a thin film of refined mineral oil to the water’s surface.  This drowns the mosquitos.  The oil is very fine, and evaporates with a couple of days.

Earlier in the larvae’s life cycle, the district can apply a growth hormone specific to mosquito larvae.  It keeps the larvae from developing into adults.

Another tool in their arsenal is a bacteria that attacks mosquito larvae.  It, too, is said to be specific only to mosquitos.

The Abatement District offers several services to homeowners, including free mosquito fish.  These fish love to eat mosquitos and make great additions to outdoor ponds.

They also offer to deal with yellowjackets, identify insects, and want to hear from you if you spot any dead birds.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I called the County about a dead crow in my yard a couple of years ago. They came out to collect it that day.