Are You Growing a Crop of Mosquitoes in Your Backyard?

Wherever you live, in the desert or a mountain meadow, mosquitoes also live. California alone has more than 50 species. Now that West Nile Virus has made its preview in our state, more people are realizing that mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They're a health threat. And they've long been a threat to our pets.
Fortunately for those of us in the Shasta County area, the outlook for the mosquito population this year is pretty good. According to John Albright of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMVCD) the combination of winds and high temperatures in recent months should result in conditions that will help hold down mosquito breeding.

The SMVCD places traps in 20 locations around the area so they can predict with some accuracy what we can expect in terms of the mosquito population. So far, it's looking pretty good, says Albright, but he warns this could change. Rain or other conditions that result in standing water could cause population growth. To a mosquito mama, standing water is the ideal nursery she's looking for to hatch her young. Give her a mere half-inch of still or stagnant water and in less than a week she's created new life that longs for your blood and your pets' blood.

Get rid of the standing water at least once a week and you've taken a key step towards protection for your family. The trouble is, it is easy to overlook places where water might build up. Here is a list of places to check, and some ideas for protecting your pets from mosquito-borne diseases.

Threats to Pets

Animals. Your dogs and cats are not at great risk for West Nile Virus. They can be infected, but rarely become ill and do not spread the virus. But many species of birds are susceptible to mosquito bites and can die or become ill. You can protect indoor birds by making sure your screens are secure enough to keep bugs out. And protect outdoor cages with mosquito netting. West Nile virus however is deadly for horses, though a vaccine is available.

Are you providing these little joys with a breeding ground?

Credit: Wazari

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