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Forget the shorts; protect against mosquitoes

West Nile virus activity found in Yolo County

Sacramento Digs Gardening
BY Debbie Arrington PUBLISHED AUG 10, 2020

Cutline: Beware of mosquitoes; they're most active in early morning and at dusk. (Photo courtesy CDC)

It may be August, but it’s no time for shorts and tank tops – especially if you’re outside in the early morning or at dusk. Remember insect repellent, too. Mosquitoes are biting!

This is prime mosquito weather. Not only are their bites annoying; they could be dangerous.

West Nile virus cases again appear on the rise with a new spike in activity in Yolo County. According to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, nine mosquito samples and two dead birds tested positive for the disease in both urban and rural locations throughout the county.

“We are closely monitoring and keeping an eye on the City of Davis since West Nile has been detected within city boundaries and in the surrounding areas,” said district manager Gary Goodman on Wednesday.

Mosquitoes love temperatures in the 90s or hotter. “We are still in the middle of summer and conditions are right for mosquitoes to continue breeding and posing a threat for disease transmission,” added Goodman. “We must not let our guard down now and we should continue taking all the necessary precautions such as dumping stagnant water from around our home and wearing insect repellent while spending time outdoors.”

Emptying water that has accumulated under pots or dabbing on some DEET before morning exercise may be small actions, but they’re important in the fight against West Nile virus.

“Both of these actions are critical to protect our health from West Nile,” said Goodman, noting the continued threat of this mosquito-borne disease. Throughout Sacramento County, West Nile virus activity has also remained “steady,” according to the district.

Areas of concern include Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade and other locations north of the American River Parkway where many mosquito samples have also tested positive this season.

Through Aug. 7, 42 dead birds total and 27 positive mosquito samples have tested positive in Sacramento County for West Nile virus.

How do you report a dead bird? Here’s a video from the state’s West Nile virus task force: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y36FjUURYrI&authuser=0 Or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).

More than 150 species of mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus. California is home to about 50 species, not all of which can carry the virus. The most likely carriers here are active during warm months, from May through October.

There are no vaccines for West Nile virus. Fortunately, most people infected do not get seriously ill. But one in five develop fever and other symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And one in150 people infected develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness.

West Nile virus is a serious threat to horses, which account for almost 97% of all non-human mammalian cases of the disease. The virus is the leading cause of arbovirus encephalitis in horses.

With the ongoing threat of West Nile virus, the Sacramento-Yolo district will continue surveillance efforts, testing mosquitoes for virus, treating mosquitoes in all known sources and performing adult mosquito control as necessary throughout parks, neighborhoods and other agricultural sources in areas where the mosquitoes have tested positive.

For current information about district activities, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net or call 1-800-429-1022.

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mosquitoes gardening Sacramento West Nile virus Yolo County pests Sacramento County

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Garden Checklist for week of May 19

Temperatures will be a bit higher than normal in the afternoons this week. Take care of chores early in the day – then enjoy the afternoon. It’s time to smell the roses.

* Plant, plant, plant! It’s prime planting season in the Sacramento area. If you haven’t already, it’s time to set out those tomato transplants along with peppers and eggplants. Pinch off any flowers on new transplants to make them concentrate on establishing roots instead of setting premature fruit.

* Direct-seed melons, cucumbers, summer squash, corn, radishes, pumpkins and annual herbs such as basil.

* Harvest cabbage, lettuce, peas and green onions.

* In the flower garden, direct-seed sunflowers, cosmos, salvia, zinnias, marigolds, celosia and asters.

* Plant dahlia tubers. Other perennials to set out include verbena, coreopsis, coneflower and astilbe.

* Transplant petunias, marigolds and perennial flowers such as astilbe, columbine, coneflowers, coreopsis, dahlias, rudbeckia and verbena.

* Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, earwigs and aphids that want to dine on tender new growth.

* Feed summer bloomers with a balanced fertilizer.

* For continued bloom, cut off spent flowers on roses as well as other flowering plants.

* Don’t forget to water. Seedlings need moisture. Deep watering will help build strong roots and healthy plants.

* Add mulch to the garden to help keep that precious water from evaporating. Mulch also cuts down on weeds. But don’t let it mound around the stems or trunks of trees or shrubs. Leave about a 6-inch to 1-foot circle to avoid crown rot or other problems.

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