Get the Buzz on Mosquitoes, Learn How to Avoid the Bite at Vector Control Open House

Want to learn more about protecting yourself from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illness?

Join the County of San Diego for an open house from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at the County Operations Center plaza, located at 5520 Overland Drive in San Diego.

The County's Vector Control program experts will be on hand to show what they're doing to prevent mosquito-related diseases, such as West Nile virus and dengue virus. Vector Control works year-round through a variety of methods to reduce mosquito numbers and protect the public from the diseases they can transmit.

Tuesday's event will feature interactive displays, including a mosquito-control booth showcasing mosquitofish, bacterial larvicides and real mosquito larvae-and a mosquito surveillance-booth featuring different types of traps the County uses for sampling.

At the event's Ecology Lab booth, vector ecologists and disease research scientists will present samples of the different mosquito species we see in San Diego County and explain how mosquitoes are counted, sorted and tested for vector-borne disease.

You'll also see the equipment the County uses in mosquito prevention-from backpack and truck-mounted applicators used for adult mosquito treatments and a boat used for controlling mosquito larvae in larger bodies of water.

Other County departments including Public Health, Parks and Recreation, Agriculture Weights & Measures and the County Library will be sharing information at the event.

County officials are reminding the public that dengue and West Nile virus are concerns in 2025. If you are bitten by mosquitoes and experience flu-like symptoms and a rash, speak to a doctor.

There are things people can do at home and while traveling abroad to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the illnesses they can transmit, mainly by following the County's Prevent, Protect, Report guidelines.

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding by dumping out standing water.
• Protect against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or other EPA approved ingredients.
• Report increased mosquito activity, unmaintained green swimming pools and other mosquito-breeding sources to Vector Control at vector@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 694-2888.

For more information, visit the County Vector Control website.