This week (April 17-23, 2016) is Mosquito Awareness Week in California, and mosquito-control districts are doing their best to educate the public about how to control mosquito populations.

As we move into spring and the weather gets warmer, the number of mosquitoes will increase as people begin spending more time outdoors. Mosquito Awareness Week is meant to remind everyone that just one bite can make them seriously ill, and that controlling mosquitoes early in the season makes a huge difference later on during the summer.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District even runs a “Fight the Bite” drawing contest, which awards cash prizes to students and their schools. In addition, they will donate more than 10,000 repellent wipes to local shelters that provide services to homeless residents.

They also visit schools, provide educational materials for teachers, and produce educational videos such as these:

Everyone can do their part to control mosquitoes, and the vector control district recommends that everyone practice the D’s of Mosquito Prevention:

– DRAIN all standing water.
– DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outside.
– DRESS in long sleeves and pants to avoid being bitten.
– DEFEND yourself from mosquitoes with an effective repellent.
– DOOR and window screens should be closed and in good working condition.

You don’t need to be a California resident to participate. The time to start mosquito control is now.