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California Mosquito Awareness Week April 13 - 19, 2025

California Mosquito Awareness Week, San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control, with a mosquito image. #MosquitoWeek

Sharks get a whole week of programming, but why don't mosquitoes?

Mosquito Control is a Shared Responsibility

To raise awareness and educate the public on the health threats mosquitoes pose to our communities, the California Mosquito and Vector Control Association declared April 13 - 19 California Mosquito Awareness Week.

Join the Conversation: #MosquitoWeek

Let's Get Social: Feel free to Right-click > download or Share any of the images on this page.

Quiero material en Español

蚊子安全意识周

Why Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on the planet. When they bite and suck your blood, they can transmit (spread) viruses and parasites into your body.

Infographic comparing annual deaths caused by animals. Mosquitoes top over 1M, followed by humans, snakes, dogs, and more. #MosquitoWeek

West Nile virus is the biggest threat to people living in Los Angeles County, including residents in San Gabriel Valley. The California Department of Public Health reported more than 770 West Nile virus cases in just the past two years! 

Diagram showing West Nile virus transmission via mosquitoes among birds, humans, and horses.

It's All About the Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs using any stagnant water they can find in your backyard or patio.

Water around your home should be used as soon as possible. Even a teaspoon of water can attract mosquitoes!

"Tip out stagnant water weekly. Toss unused containers. Mosquitoes grow in water. #MosquitoWeek."

Repel, Don't Swell

Mosquitoes have been around since the dinosaurs, and they will continue to thrive on our planet. One way to keep them from biting is to wear mosquito repellent that works.

Wearing loose light-fitting long-sleeve pants and shirts is highly recommended. Also make sure there are no tears in your window and door screens. Mosquitoes are small and can fit through even the smallest tears in your door or window.

Don't Bring Back Mosquito Disease as a Souvenir

Traveling this summer? If you're going to an area that has mosquitoes spreading viruses such as Zika or dengue, make sure you pack and wear insect repellent. Bring back memories, not diseases.

Repel mosquito bites with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. #MosquitoWeek

Male Mosquitoes Don’t Bite

Male mosquitoes only feed on nectar and water. Only female mosquitoes bite and use our blood to produce their eggs. 

"Male mosquitoes don't bite; they feed on nectar and water. #MosquitoWeek"

Don't Be Fooled

Many insects look like mosquitoes, but they are not! Don’t let crane flies bug you. These “Imposters” are harmless, have short lifespans, and will usually go away in a couple of weeks.   

 

Crane fly (non-biting) vs. mosquito (biting), shown with a quarter for size comparison.