Recent rain and rising temperatures increase mosquito risk

With temperatures expected to climb into the 90s this weekend and recent rainfall leaving behind plenty of standing water, San Bernardino County’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP) encourages residents to take simple steps now to reduce mosquito activity and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Warm weather following rain creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Even small amounts of standing water can become a breeding source for mosquitoes in just a few days. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a bottle cap’s worth of water, and larvae can grow into biting adults in less than a week.

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself and your family:

Dump, drain, and scrub anything that holds water such as plant saucers, buckets, old tires, even bottle caps.
Cover up with long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn.
Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Check screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Report green pools to MVCP at 800-442-2283.

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria and dengue. Taking action now to eliminate breeding sources helps reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.

To request a courtesy inspection, or to report green pools, please call or text MVCP at 800-442-2283 or email ehs.customerservice@dph.sbcounty.gov. For more information, please visit the Mosquito and Vector Control Program website.

Together, we can make a real impact in managing mosquito populations and protecting the health of our community.

Additional County Update News – May 8, 2025