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Evan Ostermann

Position: Vector Control Technician
A man smiling while sitting in a vehicle, wearing a hat and uniform that reads "San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District."

Evan started with the District as a Seasonal Vector Control Aide in the Summer of 2018. At the end of the season he was hired full-time as a Vector Control Technician. Evan was born and raised in San Mateo County.

 

 

Evan's answers to a few questions about working with the District:

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part about working for San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District is the diversity of work we do. Every issue is unique, and I enjoy the challenges each presents. Besides the reward of helping others, I also enjoy sharing knowledge with the public to help people understand the problem at hand and develop a safe, effective solution based on science.

What is something you wish everybody knew about mosquitoes?

While you may not notice them as frequently, mosquitoes do still breed in the winter months. Although they develop from egg to adult much more slowly in the cold, the ample and sporadic rain creates countless breeding habitats across the County. It is important to be proactive, vigilant, and continue to inspect and treat (or eliminate standing water) during the winter so residents are not overwhelmed in the summer when disease risk is at its highest.

A person in a field wearing waders, holding a long pole, under a clear blue sky.
Evan's work includes regularly checking marshes along the Bay for mosquito larvae. Here he uses a dipper to sample some water in a marsh covered with pickleweed to check for mosquito larvae.

Where is the most surprising place you ever found mosquito larvae?

One mosquito breeding site I found that stands out as rather surprising was when I was called for a mosquito inspection at a residential property that had just completed some renovations, and the construction company left behind a porta-potty. Having not been serviced in some time, the water inside became habitable for mosquito larvae.

Where is the best view in the County?

While San Mateo County offers so many beautiful hikes through nature, my favorite view in the County is from the top of the Sugarloaf Hill near Laurelwood Park. It is a short and grueling climb, but once at the peak there is a great view to the Bay, bridges, and city lights.

 

A person stands in a field wearing waders, holding a stick, with a clear blue sky above.
One of Evan's favorite views is from a marsh in East Palo Alto, looking across the marsh and Bay to the East Bay Hills. He says the view when there is snow on the Hills is particularly spectacular.

What residents have to say about Evan:

I want to commend Evan who swiftly and efficiently handled the wasp situation in my house eaves. I am grateful for his responsiveness and excellent customer service from beginning to finish.
San Mateo County resident
Evan was super helpful! Amazing service. Really appreciated him coming out and educating us on mosquitos. He also took care to find the problem. A big thank you!
Appreciative resident

 

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