“Recent rainfall has created a lot of opportunities for mosquito breeding,” said Gene Abbott, district manager of Kern Mosquito and Vector Control. “We have detected more mosquito activity earlier in the year than normal. We need everyone in our community to help keep mosquitoes to a minimum by removing standing water around their homes.”

“Warm weather typically leads to an increase in mosquito activity in Kern County,” said Matt Constantine, director of Kern County Public Health Services. “Kern residents should take precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes as this is the most risky time of year for mosquito-borne illness.”

While many mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus, cause only mild symptoms in most people, the infection can cause severe illness in rare cases. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites:

• Remove standing or stagnate water from containers such flowerpots, fountains, birdbaths, pet bowls and wading pools. Items not traditionally viewed as containers, like gardening tools and toys, can also collect water.

• Clean/scrub containers that collect water weekly to remove any remaining eggs.

• Maintain swimming pools in working condition.

• Stock garden ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae. Contact your local vector control district for free fish.

• Report areas of mosquito infestation to your local vector control district.

Decrease your risk of mosquito-transmitted infections:

• Avoid mosquitoes and mosquito-infested areas at all times of the day.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors.

• Ensure doors and windows have screens in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live, work, or play.