Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District

11/03/2026

Think citronella, lavender, or rosemary plants keep mosquitoes away? Think again!

A new study found that popular mosquito-repelling plants don't provide reliable protection against mosquitoes.

Enjoy your plants, but don't rely on them to prevent bites!

Dump standing water and use EPA-registered insect repellent.

Learn more:

Several ornamental plants commonly claimed to be mosquito-repellent don't actually keep mosquitoes away under real-world conditions, a new study shows.

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween from all of us at SYMVCD! 🎃👻

Getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating? Don't forget to include insect repellent as part of your Halloween preparations!

Mosquitoes are still active throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, so be sure to protect your little ghosts and goblins from mosquito bites while they're out collecting treats.

Have a fun and safe Halloween! 🍬

10/30/2026

MYTH: All mosquitoes bite humans.
FACT: Only female mosquitoes bite! Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and other plant sugars.

Photo credit: CDC / Lauren Bishop.

10/29/2026

Mosquitoes are still active throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties, so don't forget about prevention while tackling your fall yard cleanup! 🍂

🍁 Clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent water from collecting.
💧 Check your yard for containers, flowerpots, and other items that can hold standing water.
🏠 Make sure drains and downspouts are clear and functioning properly.

Keep mosquito prevention a priority as you enjoy the fall season!

10/29/2026

Ever wonder what actually happens when a mosquito bites you?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used high-speed video and tracking technology to take a closer look at how mosquitoes bite and feed.

Their findings reveal just how complex the process is, with coordinated movements that help mosquitoes locate blood vessels and take a blood meal.

By better understanding how mosquitoes feed, scientists hope to uncover new ways to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Read more-

Female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs. While much research has focused on how these hungry mosquitoes find their targets, less is known about what happens after they land on skin. Yet, a better understanding may allow researchers to find new ways of preventing bites that transmit diseases lik...

10/28/2026

California accounts for more than 25% of all reported West Nile virus cases in the United States this year.

According to figures from the California Department of Public Health cited in an October 2026 report, 378 human cases had been reported statewide, including cases in Sacramento and Yolo counties. At the time of reporting, the state had also recorded 23 West Nile virus-related deaths.

These numbers are an important reminder that mosquito-borne diseases remain a public health concern, even as we move further into fall.

Continue protecting yourself and your family by eliminating standing water around your home and using an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

Read more- https://outbreaknewstoday.substack.com/p/california-accounts-for-25-of-all

10/24/2026

Join us TODAY at the Trunk or Treat & Autumn Festival at North Natomas Regional Park! 🎃

Stop by and visit the SYMVCD team while enjoying this FREE community event! We'll be sharing mosquito prevention tips, information about our programs and services, and free insect repellent wipes while supplies last.

📅 Saturday, October 24
⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
📍 North Natomas Regional Park, 2501 New Market Drive, Sacramento

Enjoy free pumpkins (while supplies last), face painting, food trucks, activities, and more!
We hope to see you there!

10/22/2026

As temperatures begin to cool, don't forget about your swimming pool!

Neglected or poorly maintained swimming pools can become major mosquito breeding sources, potentially producing thousands of mosquitoes that can affect an entire neighborhood.

Keep your pool clean, properly maintained, and the water circulating throughout the year to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
A little pool maintenance can make a big difference in protecting your home and neighborhood!

10/21/2026

Can your smartphone help scientists better understand mosquito bites?

Researchers at the University of Florida developed a smartphone-based "Bite Diary" that allows participants to record when and where they experience mosquito bites.

By comparing these reports with mosquito populations in nearby yards, scientists hope to better understand mosquito exposure and improve prevention strategies.

In the meantime, remember that eliminating standing water around your home remains an important step in preventing mosquitoes!

Read more-

Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 Your backyard can be more than a place to garden, play with your dog, spend time with the family or relax. It can also be a place where people encounter mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue, according to a University of Florida st...

10/17/2026

It may not feel like fall just yet, but now is a great time to start preparing your yard for cooler weather!

As temperatures begin to drop, some mosquito species seek protected places to survive the colder months. Outdoor clutter, unused containers, and areas around buildings can provide shelter, while items that collect standing water may become mosquito breeding sources.

Get a head start on fall cleanup by removing unnecessary items, clearing yard debris, and eliminating anything that can collect standing water.

A little preparation now can help reduce mosquito breeding sources around your home as the seasons change!