Agencies join forces to manage mosquito season in Kern
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Mosquito season has started in Kern County, and multiple agencies have come together to fight the bite this year.
“It’s gonna take community effort out of every homeowner and every renter here within our district,” said Terry Knight, with the Kern Mosquito Control District.
Knight said the major concern this year is the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that popped up in Kern ten years ago.
“This mosquito is very aggressive,” said Knight. “It’s known to bite you multiple times. It’s been nicknamed the “ankle biter” for very good reason.”
The Aedes Aegypti mosquito prefers to bite you under the knees or behind the elbow, and can cause St. Louis Encephalitis, according to Knight. The Culex or Southern House mosquito can cause West Nile Virus.
“There is currently no treatment or vaccine for either disease,” said Michelle Corson, with Kern County Public Health.
Corson told 17 News more than 500 Kern County residents have been diagnosed with West Nile since the first case in 2004.
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In 2023, there were 15 cases of West Nile and two cases of St. Louis Encephalitis. The symptoms for both include a fever, headache, rash, and vomiting. Four out of five people have no symptoms. Adults over 60 and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness or death.
The best line of defense is using repellant with 25% deet or more, draining standing water, and guys like Jay Thao.
“One of the most common breeding sources these mosquitos like to use are unmaintained swimming pools,” said Jay Thao with the Delano Control District.
Thao said there are four mosquito elimination districts ready to inspect and treat your property, or your pool for free.
“If residents don’t want to go the chemical route, we do have a biological control which are our friendly mosquito fish,” said Thao.
Drain irrigation valve boxes, yard drains, and potted plants help technicians fight the bite.
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