San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District

05/28/2026

Check people and pets for ticks during and after spending time outdoors where ticks might be. Be sure to check yourself where clothing was tight, as well as behind the knees, groin area, under the arms, around the ears, and hairline/scalp.

05/26/2026

Help us track West Nile virus by reporting dead birds.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause disease in humans, horses, and birds. West Nile virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Mosquitoes often get West Nile virus from birds (especially crows, ravens, and jays). Dead bird reports are one way of tracking where West Nile virus could be spreading.

Learn more at https://westnile.ca.gov/

Note that chickens can NOT get West Nile virus - so your backyard friends are safe! :) 🐥

05/22/2026

Long weekend coming up? Spending time outdoors? Don't forget your insect repellent! Choosing an ingredient like DEET can protect you from mosquito bites.
Learn more: https://www.smcmvcd.org/epa-registered-insect-repellent

05/20/2026

Promptly removing a tick can reduce your chances of becoming infected with a tick-borne disease. Always check yourself for ticks after outdoor activity. If you find a tick on you, remove it right away.

Learn more:

Tick bites can make people sick. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove the tick as soon as possible. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ...

05/15/2026

Use an EPA-registered repellent to prevent tick and mosquito bites.

Common ingredients in EPA-registered repellents include DEET, picaridin, and IR3535.

Learn more:

437 likes. "Fight the Bite: Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites"

05/11/2026

May is month.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. While the risk in California is lower than other parts of the US, we'd still love you to avoid tick bites!

Tips:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Stay on the trail.
- Shower soon after being outdoors.
- Check for ticks on people, gear, and your pet friends and remove ticks promptly.
- Seek care if symptoms develop.

Learn more:

The California Department of Public Health is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of Californians

04/24/2026

Mosquitoes grow in standing water.

To keep mosquitoes from breeding around your home, dump and drain any containers that hold water. This includes buckets, old car tires, birdbaths, and pet bowls. Swimming pools that aren't maintained can also be a breeding source for mosquitoes. Call us if you need help! 650-344-8592

04/23/2026

It's !

While reading with a mosquito is probably not your preferred way to read, here are some great picture books about mosquitoes (and other insects) for all the bug-loving children in your life:

- 'The Bug Girl' - about a REAL fourth grade girl who really liked looking at bugs but was bullied by her peers.
- 'How to Build an Insect' - great illustrations and walks through all the parts that make an insect.
- 'Summer Birds' - the story of 13-year-old Maria Merian, who went against the beliefs of her time (that all insects were evil and that they came from the mud) and made incredible illustrations of insects while discovering how caterpillars metamorphosize into butterflies.
- 'Buzzing with Questions' - an inspiring book about Charles Henry Turner, an African American scientist who studied how ants solve problems and discovered that bees see color.

These are just a few of the expert-approved books our school outreach program lends to classrooms throughout the year. To learn more about our school program visit: https://www.smcmvcd.org/school-programs

To see an even longer list of great entomology books, see this San Mateo County Libraries blog post from a few years ago that highlighted our Communications Director, Rachel Curtis-Robles: https://smcl.org/blogs/post/shelf-life-featuring-rachel-curtis-robles/

04/15/2026

Prevent mosquito bites!

Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to clothes and exposed skin according to label instructions.

Learn more at: https://www.smcmvcd.org/epa-registered-insect-repellent

04/09/2026

Report biting mosquitoes! Our staff will visit your neighborhood to find the water source and stop the mosquitoes. To report mosquitoes biting in your neighborhood, visit: https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service