November 2023 Newsletter

Timely Reminders

Photograph of the edge of a roof and the gutter partially clean but with some leaves and dirt remaining. A gloved hand holds a handful of leaves and dirt that was removed from the gutter. There is a pail in the background where more leaves and dirt are. — Clean your gutters now to avoid mosquitoes and overflow issues later.

You changed your clocks back; now is a great time to also clean your gutters and check your sump pumps. Cleaning out leaf litter can help reduce water where mosquitos can grow (mosquitoes are around in the cooler months, not just the summer!). Cleaning your gutters is also a great way to prepare your home for the rainy months to help prevent overflow and flooding around your home. Mosquitoes can grow in water under homes with broken sump pumps - check your sump pump now so you're not in a pinch later!

Spotlight on...Roof Rats

Side view of a roof rat, which is a long dark grey body with pink ears and feet, and a dark tail as long (or longer!) than its body. — Roof rats are common pests throughout the County.

Whether we see them or not, just about everyone living in San Mateo County has roof rats in their yards. As the weather cools, we sometimes receive more reports of rodent activity in homes. Now is a great time to request a rodent inspection from our team - we can point out all the little gaps and cracks where rodents can enter, help you understand what attracts rats to a property, and give you a custom checklist of how to rodent proof your home and keep the rats out this winter.

Learn more about roof rats.

Learn more about rodent prevention and control.

Dengue in California

Mosquito on a white background. The mosquito has an abdomen full of dark red blood. The mosquito is mainly black, with some white stripes on its legs. — Aedes aegypti have black and white striped legs and bite during the day.

You may have seen the news of dengue infecting two people in southern California that had not traveled outside of the US. The two locally-acquired cases were in Pasadena and Long Beach. The local and state public health departments are working closely with the mosquito control agencies in those areas to keep risk low.

Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus). These are the same types of mosquitoes that spread yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. We do not currently have either of these mosquito species in San Mateo County.

We are always conducting surveillance for Aedes mosquitoes in our County. An important part of surveillance for this mosquito is...YOU! Many districts learn about Aedes aegypti in their areas because of calls from residents about these annoying mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have black and white striped legs. They bite during the day. If you notice mosquitoes biting, particularly in the daytime, please report via our online form or by calling 650-344-8592 to submit a service request. One of our certified vector control technicians will check the area for water sources, may set a mosquito trap, and determine how to stop the mosquitoes.

Learn more about Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Holiday/Break Travel Tips

A view from above of an opened packed suitcase. The suitcase contains a straw hat with wide brim, red and white stiped flip flops, a camera, an orange bottle like a sunscreen bottle, a pair of blue-framed sunglasses, and a few towels.

If you are traveling for any upcoming holidays or breaks, don't forget to pack your insect repellent! Learn more about how to stay safe from mosquitoes and their bites.

District Closed Friday, November 10th

We will be closed on Friday, November 10th in honor of Veterans Day. To all veterans, active military, their families and loved ones - thank you for your service and sacrifice.