Biting back: Grandy Jury finds Kern Vector control is effective

Luis Garcia
·2 min read

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Did you know mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth?

Kern County’s Grand Jury report revealed Kern County is home to four prominent bloodsucking mosquito species that can potentially cause serious health risks to humans.

The Kern County Grand Jury launched an investigation to learn the effectiveness of the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District. Their report found Kern County the prominent species are responsible for the transmission of several diseases, which Vector Control targets with state-of-the-art and eco-friendly measures.

Invasive backyard mosquitos to thrive in the coming weeks in Kern County

Without mosquito abatement districts, the grand jury found many deadly diseases would go unchecked or even become epidemics.

According to the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control’s Grandy Jury report, there are 3,500 species of vectors (mosquitoes that carry diseases) that spread over 50 different diseases worldwide.

26 species of mosquitoes are located in Kern County and are targeted by the District, which covers 1,657 square miles. The vectors have been active in Kern since last years wet winter.

Among the four targeted species, the Aedes mosquito, “ankle biter,” is the newest species in the county. The report named six mosquito-borne diseases that are known to be found in Kern:

  • West Nile Virus

  • Dengue Fever

  • Zika Fever

  • St. Louis Encephalitis

  • Chikungunya Virus

  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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While there have been no human fatalities due to WNV, the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District shares some tips on how you can remain disease-free this spring and throughout summer.

  • Avoid mosquitoes at all times of the day

  • Avoid mosquito-infested areas and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

  • When choosing the best mosquito repellent to use, look for one of the following CDC and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. A minimum of 25% active ingredient is recommended.

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

  • Do not allow water to collect and stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, fountains, birdbaths, pet bowls, or other containers. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

  • Keep swimming pools operating properly; drain water from pool covers.

  • Stock garden ponds with fish that eat mosquito larvae such as gambusia, goldfish, and others.

  • Empty and scrub the walls of birdbaths and wading pools weekly to remove any attached mosquito eggs.

  • Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Roof rats are another target for officials within the county. Approximately 600 roof rat customers receive property inspections and bait traps. in 2023, the District treated 1,631 green pools, with standing still water, were treated.

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