People Get Up Close Look at Combatting Mosquitoes at County Event

Hundreds of people attended an outdoor open house hosted by the County of San Diego Tuesday that was held to educate the public about the importance of controlling vectors like mosquitoes that can transmit harmful diseases.

Vectors are animals like mosquitoes that can transmit diseases-like West Nile virus and dengue-to people through their bites.

The County's Vector Control Program has been working to protect people from West Nile virus by monitoring and reducing mosquito populations since the virus arrived in San Diego County in 2004. Last year, the County reported its first two cases of "locally acquired" dengue cases through mosquito bites.

At Tuesday's open house, Vector Control Program experts used interactive displays to show and share the many ways its team reduces mosquito populations-and what people can do themselves around their homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

"Mosquito season is here, so this was a great way for us to get the word out about the risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes along with prevention techniques," said Vector Control Program Manager Allison Bray. "We brought equipment to show people what our field staff use every day, fighting mosquitoes by foot, truck and boat. We have a lot of different tools available, so we are able to pick the best method for the location."

Vector Control booths showcased live mosquito larvae; the "mosquitofish" that like to eat them; and a safely sealed terrarium buzzing with mosquitoes from the team's mosquito-rearing lab. Larger displays highlighted field apparatus and equipment used by Vector Control staff, including surveillance traps, backpack applicators, trucks mounted with treatment equipment, and a boat with a pond pump-modified for mosquito treatments.

Officials from the County's Health and Human Services Agency provided materials on mosquito-borne diseases and offered safety recommendations and resources.

County Agriculture Weights & Measures officials talked about the work they do to combat invasive insects.

The County Library set up an all-ages, vector-themed book display and invited guests to spin a wheel for prizes. And a ranger with the County Department of Parks and Recreation showed animal skins, furs and taxidermy, and introduced guests to a live bullfrog that ate mosquitoes.