Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an exciting day hosted by the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. Explore…

During this time of year, the District receives numerous calls from the public regarding large swarms of mosquitoes in backyards and along bike trails…

“Whoa! They look like they’re fighting!”

During the winter months, rats often seek protection from the rain and cold weather in homes and outbuildings. Don’t let these destructive animals…

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we aim to keep you informed about West Nile virus (WNV) and how to protect yourself and your pets. West Nile…

As we soak in the last rays of summer sun, it's prime time for sizzling BBQs and al fresco feasting. However, there's one uninvited guest (or multiple…

As the weather warms up and spring turns to summer, it's important to remember that mosquitoes are not just a nuisance, but also a potential health…

Heavy rain and flooding after a severe drought can lead to an increase in mosquito populations and a higher risk of mosquito-borne disease. With your…

Although different species and life stages come out at different times of the year, in Marin and Sonoma counties, ticks can be found year-round. We…

Composting is a great way to manage your waste. Not only will you be sustainably recycling the food scraps and yard trimmings you generate all year…

Rats aren’t necessarily picky about where they take up residence. If they have water, shelter and food, rats will survive. However, they are more…

Nearly 10 years ago, two invasive mosquito species (Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, and Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito) were…

Lack of rain does not necessarily mean a lack of mosquitoes. In residential areas, utility vaults and the catch basins that allow rainwater to drain…

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. Not only can their bites cause severe allergic reactions, but they can also spread debilitating diseases…

​It’s spring, and that means many people are starting their yearly process of planting their gardens. A garden can be a smorgasbord for rodents…

Humans aren’t the only ones that can get diseases from mosquitoes and ticks—your pets can too! Pets are important members of your family and rely on…

Have you ever thought about your own backyard when it comes to protecting yourself and your pets from ticks? Most backyards aren’t prime habitat for…

Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick, is not deterred by the cold weather we have been experiencing lately in the North Bay. In fact, last…

Each year we receive hundreds of calls seeking advice on how to control or prevent rodent issues in and around homes. Here are answers to the five…

In our last newsletter we discussed how yellowjackets have a knack for ruining backyard barbeques, so we would be remiss if we didn’t mention another…

Nothing ruins a relaxing backyard barbecue more than an army of yellowjackets trying to get a bite of your juicy, protein-packed meal. Well, nothing…

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were first introduced into California for the control of mosquito larvae in the 1920’s and continue to be an important…

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (the District) maintains a multifaceted surveillance program for viruses transmitted by…

Are your water conservation methods producing mosquitoes?

Throughout the year, District laboratory staff collect ticks of different species and life stages from trails in state, regional, and local parks and…

Meet Dr. Kelly Liebman, Scientific Programs Manager at the District! Kelly has been studying and working with vector-borne diseases for more than 15…

Spring is the prime time for the emergence of the western treehole mosquito, also known as Aedes sierrensis. As the name suggests, these mosquitoes…

Rodents aren’t picky about where they take up residence. They can be found in well-maintained homes, yards with overgrown vegetation, and homes with…

You are cozy and warm in your bed, having just dozed off to sleep, when you are suddenly awakened by the buzzing sound of a mosquito in your ear. You…

Rain barrels that are not screened or are improperly maintained can become a major source of mosquito production. One rain barrel has the potential to…

November 2020-Ticks are active year-round in Marin and Sonoma counties. Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit a variety of diseases…

September 2020-The primary mission of the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District is to protect public health from mosquitoes and vector-…

August 2020 - Most people associate rodent infestations with dilapidated homes covered in overgrown vegetation and junk strewn all over the yard, but…

July 2020- One of the most commonly asked questions we receive this time of year is, “How do I locate an underground yellowjacket nest?” Locating…

June 2020-Some people may say if you have seen one mosquito you have seen them all but, mosquitoes are much more complex than people give them credit…

June 2020-As we all navigate the challenges of daily life and adapt to the new normal presented to us by the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing remains the…

May 2020- The name “Asian giant hornet” (Vespa mandarinia) is pretty descriptive—it accurately reveals the insect’s origin, size and the fact that it…

March 2020 - Per the California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the District is taking the following…

February 2020 -Throughout the year, District laboratory staff collect ticks of different species and life stages from trails in state, regional, and…

With the rainfall the North Bay experienced this past month we thought it was the perfect time to start talking about rainwater harvesting.

The last thing on people's minds during the winter is mosquitoes. In fact, most people think that mosquitoes just disappear this time of year. The…

Heavy rain and flooding can lead to increased mosquito production. With more water comes more mosquitoes and a higher risk of mosquito-borne disease…

Februry 2019-This year’s tick season is in full swing. With the heavy rains over the past few months, the adult ticks have been hiding out and staying…