Our Mission is to provide for the health, safety, and comfort of the residents within our district boundaries by the abatement of mosquitoes and other vector populations in order to minimize vector-borne diseases, The District accomplishes this task through constant surveillance and by employing the principles of integrated pest management in our efforts to control vector populations.

The Current Mosquito Abatement Control Area in Green

**Note: If you are having problems viewing this map, please make sure your browser is up-to-date (specially Internet Explorer users)

Press Release (July 12, 2013) in PDF format here

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
Aedes Aegypti - FACT SHEETS
- In English
- En Español

Press Release (June 17, 2013) in PDF format here

For more information about how to identify and control the mosquito click here

Comunicado de Prensa (Junio 17, 2013) en formato PDF aquí

PRESS RELEASE: REVISED

AEDES AEGYPTI FOUND IN MADERA RANCHOS & PARKWOOD AREAS

According to the Madera Mosquito and Vector Control District, the Aedes aegypti has been found in traps in Madera Ranchos & Parkwood areas in Madera County. Madera Ranchos is approximately half way between Madera & Clovis.

A few weeks ago, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) was identified in a several block area on the west side of the city of Madera. This aggressive day-biting mosquito is not native to California; however it is a common mosquito in urban areas of the southeastern United States.

The Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District is working with the Madera County Department of Health to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. “Our goal is to eradicate this population” said Leonard Irby, the District’s Manager. “We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.”

The District continues to expand the search by going door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods to undertake control measures including education, source reduction, larval control, and local ground-based adulticiding (fogging) as necessary to target adult mosquitoes. Fogging will begin immediately in the infestation area.

Unlike our most common mosquito species in Madera, this tiny (approx. ¼ inch) distinctive black and white mosquito is a very aggressive day-biter. While they may be active around dusk and dawn, it is their day-biting habits that are most characteristic. Aedes aegypti is an efficient vector (transmitter) of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and several viruses that cause encephalitis.

Although the results for testing on the sample of Aedes aegypti found in traps are negative for dengue and chikungunya, the public is urged to take precaution by preventing mosquito bites.

“At this time, there is no need to consider vaccination for yellow fever, unless you plan to travel in an endemic area. Everyone should practice diligent mosquito control, because some mosquitos are vectors for other serious diseases such as West Nile Virus which is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley,” urged Dr. Thomas Cole, Health Officer for Madera County.

“Mosquito control is our best bet. Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day are urged to report them to the Mosquito and Vector Control District. We need the public’s help on this one” urged Leonard Irby, District Manager. Everyone can do something”. Below are tips on mosquito control and avoiding bites:

Mosquito Control

- Check your yard weekly for water-filled containers.
- Throw away or recycle water-holding containers that are not needed.
- If empty containers or large objects, such as boats or old appliances must be stored, they should be covered, turned over or placed under a roof that does not allow them to fill with water.
- Clean and scrub bird baths and pet-watering dishes weekly and dump the water from overflow dishes under potted plants and flower pots. Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter.
- Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with sand or soil.
- Check for hidden bodies of water such as wells, septic tanks, manholes, clogged drains, etc.
- Call the Mosquito & Vector Control District when you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes.

Avoid mosquito bites…Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn. Apply repellents such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing. In addition to wearing repellent, you can protect yourself and your family by using mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers, and installing or repairing window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Residents are urged to call or use the “Services Requests” tab (at the top) to report possible sightings.

***ATTENTION***

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District would like to inform you that we will be fogging your neighborhood on Thursday June 27th, between the hours of 3:00am – 8:00am. Please note this is a new fogger that will be spraying a Larveside to skill and larvae that may be breeding in containers that we may have missed during our door to door searches. This unit uses a gas engine that is much noisier than our Adult Foggers but only needs to spray the area once to cover the mosquito larvae sources.

Attached is a Resident Survey that we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to fill out and return back to us. You may fax, mail or hand deliver to the number or address listed above.

Also if you have containers with water please remove the water or treat the containers with BTI pellets that can be purchased at a local hardware store, The District appreciates your help in the ongoing effort eliminating the Aedes Aegypti breeding sources in Madera.

If you have any question or concerns, call the District at (559) 662-8880.

Thank you!

PRESS RELEASE - YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITO FOUND IN MADERA CA. - June 17, 2013

The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) was identified this week in a several block area on the west side of the city of Madera. This aggressive day-biting mosquito is not native to California; however it is a common mosquito in urban areas of the southeastern United States.

The Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District is working with the California Department of Public Health and the Madera County Department of Health to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. “Our goal is to eradicate this population” said Leonard Irby, the District’s Manager. “We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.”

The District will expand the search this week and go door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods to undertake control measures including education, source reduction, larval control, and local ground-based adulticiding (fogging) as necessary to target adult mosquitoes. Fogging will begin immediately in the infestation area.

Unlike our most common mosquito species in Madera, this tiny (approx. ¼ inch) distinctive black and white mosquito is a very aggressive day-biter. While they may be active around dusk and dawn, it is their day-biting habits that are most characteristic. Aedes aegypti is an efficient vector (transmitter) of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and several viruses that cause encephalitis.

Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day are urged to report them to the District. “We need the public’s help on this one” urged Irby. “Anything holding even the smallest amount of water must be overturned and stored upside down. Please survey your property and discard any unneeded containers, cans, buckets, and tires, or move them into the garage. This mosquito is even known to lay eggs in water-filled holes in asphalt and concrete.”

Avoid mosquito bites! Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn. Apply repellents such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing. In addition to wearing repellent, you can protect yourself and your family by using mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers, and installing or repairing window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Residents are urged to call or use the “Services Requests” tab (at the top) to report possible sightings.

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at (559)662-8880

MOSQUITO INVASOR ENCONTRADO EN MADERA, CA - June 17, 2013

El mosquito que causa la fiebre amarilla (Aedes aegypti) fue identificado esta semana en varias cuadras del área al lado oeste de la ciudad de Madera. Este agresivo mosquito pica durante el día y no es un nativo común de California; sin embargo es un mosquito muy común en las aéreas urbanas de los estados del sureste de los Estados Unidos.

El Distrito de Control para Mosquitos y Vectores en el Condado de Madera esta trabajando con el Departamento de Salud del Estado de California y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Madera para evaluar lo extenso de la infestación y atacar el problema para prevenir su propagación. “Nuestra meta es erradicar esta población” dijo Leonard Irby, Gerente del Distrito. “Definitivamente no queremos que éste mosquitos se establezca en nuestras comunidades.”

El Distrito expandirá la búsqueda ésta semana e ira de puerta-en-puerta en vecindarios circunvecinos para tomar control y medidas incluyendo la educación, reducción de fuentes, control de larva y fumigación como sea necesario para contra atacar los mosquitos adultos. La fumigación iniciará inmediatamente en las áreas de infestación.

Es diferente a la especie de mosquitos mas comunes de nuestra área en Madera, éste pequeño mosquito de (aprox. ¼ de pulgada) se distingue de color negro y blanco, muy agresivo durante el día. Aunque pudieran ser activos alrededor de la mañana y tarde, su hábito es picar de día, es una de las características que lo distingue. Este mosquito conocido como: Aedes aegypti es un vector eficiente (transmisor) de dengue, fiebre amarilla, chikungunya, y varios virus que causan encefalitis.

Residentes que experimenten picaduras de mosquitos durante el día se les pide informar al Distrito. “Necesitamos la ayuda del publico en éste caso” dijo Irby. “Cualquier objeto aún el mas pequeño que retenga la mínima cantidad de agua deberá ser volcado y almacenado al revés. Por favor vigile su propiedad y deseche los envases innecesarios, botes, cubetas, y llantas (neumáticos), o colóquelas en la cochera. Este mosquito es aún conocido por poner sus huevos en agujeros llenos de agua en el asfalto y concreto.”

Evite las picaduras de mosquito! Use protección personal para evitar las picaduras de mosquitos. Use camisa de manga larga, pantalones largos, calcetines y zapatos cuando los mosquitos están más activos, especialmente por la mañana y por la tarde. Aplique repelentes tal como DEET, picaridin, aceite de limón eucalipto, o IR3535 solamente a piel expuesta y/o prendas de vestir (como instruye la etiqueta del producto). No use repelentes por debajo de la ropa. Además de usar repelentes, usted puede proteger a su familia, usando los pabellones para cubrir la cuna, carriolas y portabebés de sus niños, también instale o repare los mosquiteros de las puertas y ventanas para impedir la entrada de mosquitos.

Información sobre las medidas de control puede encontrarse en esta página web.

Se pide a los residentes a llamar o usar este enlace “Services Requests” para reportar posibles sitios.

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at (559)662-8880

Questions and Answers Fact Sheet, available here in PDF format.

Question: How much is the assessment?

Answer:

The assessment is $15.81 per parcel, but could be less. The proposed assessment may be increased in future years beyond the $15.81, but only to keep pace with inflation.

Question: Who will be charged the assessment?

Answer:

Only parcel owners within our District Boundaries, refer to the District map here on our website.

Question: Is this a one time Assessment or a forever assessment?

Answer:

The District’s Board of Trustees will review the assessment every year along with our annual budget. The annual assessment will be based upon expenditures used the previous season for control of the Aedes Aegypti or other invasive vectors.

Question: What benefit will I receive from this additional assessment?

Answer:

The Aedes Aegypti is a new invasive mosquito that loves to breed in containers of all sizes and shapes and it’s an aggressive day biter that will definitely prevent you from carrying on normal backyard activities. Residences can call the District during normal Business hours and have a Mosquito Control Operator at their house within 24 hours. The District will constantly through out the season provide surveillance of areas within our District using the latest technology in trapping and eliminate sources based upon trap results. We also provide public education, attend public events and provide advice free of charge for mosquito or other vector issues. The District also provides free Mosquito fish.

Question: Who decides how this assessment is used?

Answer:

Budgets and Expenditures are approved by the Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees during a public hearing held annually.

Question: Does this Assessment go into the County of Madera’s operating Budget?

Answer:

No, The District is a Special District and the Assessment will be used for Mosquito Control operations only.

Question: Is this a first time Assessment for the District?

Answer:

No the District had a one time $7.00 per parcel charge in 1992 for 1 year.

Question: How was the District funded up to now?

Answer:

After Proposition 13 was passed by the California voters in 1979, the District has received a small portion of the property taxes that all property owners within the District pay. This is the primary source of revenue that the District uses to fund its day-to-day mosquito abatement activities. Those revenues are not sufficient to pay the extra, unforeseen expenses and costs that the battle against the Aedes Aegypti mosquito has caused.

Question: What was the cost of controlling the Aedes Aegypti last season?

Answer:

Since June 9th 2013 we have spent over $300,000.

Question: Do you think the Aedes Aegypti will spread throughout the County of Madera?

Answer:

No one knows for sure, but based upon last seasons observations and recent events in Fresno, we think so.

Question: What exactly will the additional assessment be used for?

Answer:

This assessment will be used only for the purchase of equipment, chemicals, additional operators, and supplies for the control of the Aedes Aegypti within our district Boundaries. Please refer to our website for a map of our boundaries.

Question: What is the deadline to turn in the ballots?

Answer:

By the end of the public input section of the public hearing on January 16, 2014.

Question: When is the public hearing?

Answer:

January 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM.

Question: Where is the public hearing?

Answer:

At the Madera County Mosquito Abatement District's Board Room, located at 3105 Airport Drive.

Question: What happens if the majority votes "No" on the assessment?

Answer:

The District will be unable to provide services for controlling the Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes due to insufficient revenue to purchase equipment and hire personnel to perform home inspections and eliminate sources. However the District will continue its normal Seasonal Mosquito Control within its boundaries.

Question: How many votes does it take to pass the assessment?

Answer:

If a majority of the weighted assessment ballots returned are in support, then the assessment may be levied for the fiscal year 2014-2015.

En Español:

Información y Preguntas Frecuentes, disponible aquí en formato PDF.

Pregunta: Cuánto costará este impuesto?

Respuesta:

Se cobra $15.81 por parcela, pero pudiera ser menos. El impuesto que se propone podría aumentar en años futuros a más de $15.81, pero solo para mantenerse al paso con la inflación.

Pregunta: A quienes se les cobrará este impuesto especial?

Respuesta:

Solo se cobrará a los dueños de parcelas que están dentro de los límites del Distrito, véase el mapa del Distrito para ver los límites aquí en nuestra página.

Pregunta: Es este un recargo que se cobra una sola vez, o es por tiempo indefinido?

Respuesta:

La Mesa Directiva del Distrito volverá a evaluar este impuesto cada año junto con el presupuesto anual. El recargo anual se basará en los gastos que hubo en la temporada anterior para el control del mosquito "Aedes Aegypti" u otros vectores invasivos.

Pregunta: Qué beneficio recibiré a cambio de este recargo adicional?

Respuesta

El mosquito "Aedes Aegypti" es una especie de mosquito invasivo nuevo que se reproduce fácilmente en recipientes de todo tamaño y forma. Pica de manera agresiva durante las horas del día de tal manera que seguramente le impedirá llevar a cabo actividades normales fuera de su casa. Los residentes podrán llamar al distrito durante las horas laborales y llegará un Técnico de Control Anti-Mosquito a su casa dentro de 24 horas. El Distrito vigilará las zonas dentro de sus límites constantemente durante la temporada valiéndose de la tecnología avanzada para atrapar y eliminar sus lugares de origen con base a los resultados de las trampas. Además proveemos educación pública, asistimos a eventos públicos y damos consejos gratuitos sobre mosquitos y otros vectores problemáticos. El distrito también regala peces que se alimentan de mosquitos (Gambusia affinis).

Pregunta: Quién decide cómo se usará el dinero recaudado por este impuesto?

Respuesta:

La Mesa Directiva del Distrito de Control de Mosquito y Antivectorial del Condado de Madera aprueba los Presupuestos y Gastos durante una audiencia pública cada año.

Pregunta: El dinero recibido de este recargo ¿se incluirá como parte del Presupuesto de operaciones del Condado de Madera?

Respuesta:

No, El Distrito es un Distrito Especial y el dinero recibido por este recargo solamente puede gastarse en las operaciones de Control Anti-Mosquito.

Pregunta: Es la primera vez que el Distrito cobra un impuesto especial?

Respuesta:

No, en el año 1992 el distrito tenía un cargo único de $7.00 por parcela por un año.

Pregunta: De dónde provenían los fondos del Distrito hasta ahora?

Respuesta:

Una vez que los votantes de California aprobaron la "Proposición 13" en el año 1979, el Distrito ha recibido una pequeña porción de los impuestos sobre las propiedades que todo propietario de bienes raíces dentro de los límites de Distrito pagaba. Este es la principal fuente de recursos que utiliza el Distrito para sufragar sus actividades diarias para reducir la proliferación de mosquitos. Sin embargo, estos recursos no cubren los gastos y costos adicionales e imprevistos que han resultado de la lucha en contra del mosquito Aedes Aegypti.

Pregunta: Cuál fue el costo del control de Aedes Aegypti durante la última temporada?

Respuesta:

Desde el 9 de junio del 2013, hemos gastado maás de $300,000.

Pregunta: Creen que el mosquito Aedes Aegypti se esparcirá por todo el Condado de Madera?

Respuesta:

Nadie sabe de seguro, pero con base a lo que observamos durante la última temporada y de acuerdo con sucesos recientes en Fresno, creemos que sí.

Pregunta: En qué precisamente van a gastar el dinero de este recargo adicional?

Respuesta:

El dinero recibido de este recargo solo se usará para la compra de equipo, químicos, operadores adicionales, y útiles para el control del mosquito Aedes Aegypti dentro de los límites de nuestro Distrito. Por favor, vea nuestro sitio de Internet para ver el mapa de los límites del Distrito.

Pregunta: Cuál es la fecha límite para entregar la boleta de votación?

Respuesta:

A más tardar, la parte final de opinión pública de la audiencia pública que se llevará a cabo el 16 de enero del 2014.

Pregunta: Cuándo se llevará a cabo la audiencia pública?

Respuesta:

El 16 de enero del 2014 a la 1:00 PM.

Pregunta: Dónde se llevará a cabo la audiencia pública?

Respuesta:

En el salón "Board Room" de las oficinas del Distrito de Control de Mosquito del Condado de Madera, que se encuentra en el 3105 Airport Drive.

Pregunta: Qué pasaría si la mayoría vota "No" para este recargo?

Respuesta:

El Distrito no podrá proveer servicios para controlar el mosquito Aedes Aegypti debido a falta de recursos para la compra de equipo y para contratar el personal que haría las inspecciones de hogares y eliminaría lugares de proliferación. Sin embargo el distrito seguirá sus operaciones normales para el Control de Mosquito de Temporada dentro de los confines del Distrito.

Pregunta: Cuántos votos se necesitan para aprobar este recargo?

Respuesta:

Si la mayoría de las boletas de votación se devuelvan a favor de este recargo, entonces se les cobraría el impuesto durante el año fiscal 2014-2015.

The Mosquito Abatement District’s program is based upon scientific approaches that have been incorporated into a compre¬hensive strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach that includes the following components: larval site monitoring, biological control, and the careful and strategic use of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled and registered pesticide products.

Mosquito Life Cycle

Mosquito deposit their eggs on the inside walls of containers such as fountains, buckets, tires, etc.

The district participates in the state wide surveillance system by maintaining two sentinel chicken flocks, testing dead wild birds, and by trapping mosquitoes for testing with CO2 baited traps. Combined, these give us a warning ahead of time each season about the activity of the virus.

The chickens are bled once every two weeks during the months of May through October. The chickens represent a critical element of the District's surveillance program and help to prevent any transmission of SLE, WEE and WNV to the human population.

The District operates an ongoing program throughout the year to monitor for the presence of mosquito borne viral activity. Whenever a virus is detected in a particular area, mosquito control procedures are intensified to reduce mosquito populations in order to reduce the potential risk for humans or animals contracting West Nile Virus.

CDC CO2 Trap	New Jersey Light Trap	Gravid Trap

Report dead birds on your property to The West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Hotline (877) 986-BIRD (2473) dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first indicators of the presence of West Nile Virus in the area.

You can protect your horse by having it vaccinated for WNV. The best time to have your horse vaccinated is early spring. Contact your veterinarian to get your horse vaccinated correctly.

A neglected pool has abundant organic matter or bacterial growth, often with leaves or other debris, resulting in green to blackish-colored water.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES BY USING REPELLENTS!
Before you go outside, apply a repellent containing DEET

To report a neglected pool contact:
Madera County M&VCD
3105 Airport Dr. Madera, CA. 93637
(559) 662-8880

Mosquito Fish

Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis)
Mosquito fish have brown-olive green backs, sometimes with silver grey yellow tinges, and silver bellies. Males average about 1 1/4 inches in length: females range from 1 to 2 1/2 inches in length. The species was described in 1854, and it's value to mosquito control recognized in the early 1900's. originally it was found in the southern United States, Mexico and Cuba. It has become spread through many parts of the world, and has adapted to many habitats, including cooler climates. Some strains can survive for short periods in shallow water under thin ice, but temperatures below 65 degrees F., and less than 14 hours of sunlight per day usually prevent reproduction. Mosquito fish bear live young in broods of 40 to 100 or more. Most females die after producing three or four broods. They nay drop all of their young in one season or part in the next. Mosquito fish have controlled mosquito larvae in rice fields when planted early in the season at the rate of 300 per acre. Efficiency can be increased by eliminating larger predator fish before planting mosquito fish, by providing water circulation and holding reservoirs, by deepening channels, and by controlling weeds.
Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District stocks area permanent ponds with mosquito fish, and makes a concerted effort to stock semi-permanent bodies of water within the District's boundaries beginning in March and April of every year. The mosquito fish, proven to be efficient predator of mosquito larvae, has a wide range of temperature tolerance, and will thrive unless it's water is highly polluted. Since they have a high reproduction rate during summer months, a relatively small beginning population will build up fairly to whatever population level any given pond will support,
The District maintains holding ponds of mosquito fish for Madera County residents who want to stock their own ponds or watering troughs. Anyone wishing to pick up starter stock of mosquito fish should call our district a day in advance, bring a container preferably a 5 gallon bucket or large ice chest, and make arrangements to minimize the time fish are in transport.

Reporting Dead Birds

All dead bird pickups have to be routed thought the dead bird hot line. 1-877-968-2473 or Contact the California West Nile Hotline by clicking the Crow Picture below.

Neglected Swimming Pools

Poorly maintained pools can provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes, the prime culprit in spreading WNV. A significant percentage of mosquito complaints stem from neglected pools. Abandoned and neglected swimming pools have always been a problem, but now with West Nile Virus and Foreclosures nearing record levels ,it's extremely important to treat neglected pools as soon as possible.