December 2024 Newsletter

Get to Know our Staff

We are fortunate to have dedicated staff passionate about protecting San Mateo County residents from mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry. We'd like to let you get-to-know our staff and why our staff love their work.

This month, we are highlighting two staff members - Evan and Casey. We asked them a few questions about their work, favorite mosquito facts, and their favorite views in San Mateo County.

Click here to learn more about Evan Ostermann, Vector Control Technician.

Click here to learn more about Casey Stevenson, Operations Director.

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

Two people examine a water sample with a scoop in a grassy field. — Casey Stevenson, Operations Director

Staff Presentations to Trustees During 'Trustee Field Day'

Two people in an office, one in a uniform and the other in black, sitting by a computer displaying an image. — Vector Control Technician Stephanie and Trustee Cotten during Stephanie's presentation for Trustee Field Day.

Staff presented to board trustees during 'Trustee Field Day' earlier this week. The District's Board of Trustees consists of 21 members, one from each city/town and one representative for the County at-large. Each trustee is appointed by their respective city council to govern the Mosquito and Vector Control District knowledgeably and effectively.

During our annual 'Trustee Field Day,' our vector control technicians share photos, data, and stories from the field with trustees from throughout the County. Trustees are pleased to learn more about how our staff protect public health for everyone living in, working in, and visiting San Mateo County. Learn more about our Board of Trustees HERE.

Preventing Tick Bites

A black magnifying glass focuses on a dark brown adult tick

Adult western black-legged ticks will be active for the next few months. This is a good time to learn more about how to prevent tick bites if you will be spending time enjoying outdoor natural areas.

Click here to learn more about tick bite prevention.

Prevent Rodents from Entering your Home this Winter

A grey rat pokes its nose through a hole in cardboard

As the weather cools, you might hear more noises in your attic, crawlspace, or garage. Rats and mice might try to make your home THEIR home in the cooler months. Now is a great time to check around your home for rodent entry points. Not sure what to look for? We're experts - give us a call to request a rodent inspection.

Rodent inspections are done by our certified (and very experienced!) technicians who are experts at finding all the little holes and gaps where rodents can enter your home. Technicians will check around the outside of your home to find things attracting rodents to your property, give tips on how to keep them out, and give you a written report outlining all their findings.

Our staff do not trap or remove rodents from homes/properties, and they do not fix/seal holes. However, the inpection and report can be a great start for you to know where and how to focus your efforts as you work to keep rats and mice out of your home. Give us a call today to schedule your no-cost inspection! 650-344-8592

West Nile Virus Update

Photograph of a brown mosquito resting on a white surface — Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are a main vector of West Nile virus.

As of December 10, a total of 36 dead birds collected in San Mateo County have tested positive for West Nile virus. Residents have reported 537 birds so far this year, of which 153 were in appropriate condition for testing. Stay up-to-date with San Mateo County information. Stay up-to-date with statewide California information.

No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus yet this year in San Mateo County. We have tested over 6,100 mosquitoes this year from San Mateo County. However, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in other counties in Calfornia, so if you are traveling don't forget to take your mosquito repellent and follow other tips to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread.

Tick-bite Prevention Kits Now Available

Photograph of various papers with words including: tick-bite prevention, insect repellent, common ticks of California, tick-bite prevention kit. A pair of orange tweezers, a yellow device for removing ticks, and two packets of insect repellent wipes. — Tick-bite prevention kits include a variety of resources to help protect you from tick bites and the diseases they can transmit.

Do you live in San Mateo County? Do you spend time outdoors in natural areas? Would you like a no-cost tick bite prevention kit? You can request a kit be delivered to your house.