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Control district reports spike in calls -- but winter storms this week will bring relief
This is the pest: Culex quinquefasciatus. The bothersome insect has emerged from dormancy thanks to the record warm weather earlier this month. Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In mid-winter, mosquitos are pestering people throughout the greater Sacramento area.
Wooed out of hibernation by record warm weather, these itty-bitty biters likely were hiding in crevices indoors or near home entries. And they’re very hungry; mosquitoes need a “blood meal” to start their reproductive cycle.
Fortunately, the species we’re seeing now are more pesky, than dangerous.
“These are not the type of mosquitos that carry West Nile,” said Luz Maria Robles, spokeswoman for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. “They are more a nuisance and they are coming out of hibernation aggressive and looking to eat.”
Tuesday (Jan. 30), the district reported that mosquito-related calls have spiked during our recent stretch of warm weather. Highs on Sunday and Monday edged into the low 70s – a spring-like wake-up call for mosquitoes.
“This is a typical trend that we see every year when we get a few days of sunny and warm weather,” said Gary Goodman, the vector district’s manager. “These mosquitoes are ones that had been hibernating during the past few months. The warm temperatures have brought them out of resting and they are aggressively biting.”
The warm weather tempted more people outside in shorts and short sleeves. That made the mosquitos’ presence all the more obvious – especially near dawn or dusk when the critters are most active.
“Since people are spending more time outside, they are noticing the mosquitoes,” added Goodman.
More than 50 species of mosquitoes inhabit California. Some species may bite mammals and birds as well as people.
District crews have been looking for and inspecting areas where mosquitoes can breed, such as abandoned swimming pools or other places where water can collect, Goodman said.
But relief is on the way. (In fact, it’s already here.)
Although mosquitoes need water, this week’s big storms should give us a break from the bugs. The winter rain – and the return to lower temperatures – will force the mosquitos back into resting mode.
“Luckily, rain is in the forecast for the next few days, so we should get a break,” Goodman said.
That relief could be short-lived. As soon as temperatures start rising again, so will the mosquito bites.
The best defense? Wear long sleeves and long pants while outdoors. In addition, use an effective mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, says the district.
After the storms, remember to empty any standing water that may have collected around your house in saucers under pots, toys, wheelbarrows or other spots.
To report an infestation or request a home inspection, call 1-800-429-1022.
For more information: www.FIGHTtheBITE.net.
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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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