By Douglas W. Motley
Senior Writer
Many people ask, “What is a vector?” A vector is any insect, rodent or animal of public health significance that can transmit diseases to humans.
San Bernardino County’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program identifies, monitors and treats mosquito breeding sources to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Mosquitos can lay eggs on curbs and gutters, decorative ponds, underground water systems, stormwater systems, flood control basins and channels, green pools and other sources of standing water, including a bucket or bowl of water in a back yard.
The vector control program offers mosquito fish to all San Bernardino County residents in their service area for use in ponds for mosquito control on their property. Anyone with a large or small pond that doesn’t have a steady flow of water through it should ask for some of these fish for mosquito control. For additional advice on mosquito control, contact their outreach team at: ehsmoe@ dph.sbcounty.gov.
The program offers tips for preventing flies, roaches, rodents and other pests. They suggest that residents should store food and dispose of food waste properly. They should fix gaps and holes where pests may enter and inform their landlord promptly of pest issues. Contact the San Bernardino County Mosquito and Vector Control Program if the landlord does not address a pest issue.
The Mosquito Vector Program uses traps to identify, test and check for diseases that are mosquito-borne, rodent-borne and tick-borne. They do this by installing traps in the service areas with concerns that attract and trap mosquitos. Once mosquitoes are trapped, they’re sent for testing; if you see a trap in your neighborhood, know they are conducting research in your area and the traps will be picked up in the next few days for testing.
It is also vitally important to report dead birds, especially those that seem to have fallen from the air. This allows vector control to test the birds for West Nile Virus. If you notice a dead bird, call the California West Nile Virus hotline at (877) 968-2473.
Squirrels that look like they have mange, which makes their fur fall out in patches, should be reported to the Big Bear US Forest Service Ranger Station, as mange can affect and kill many squirrels and affect the entire food chain. Mange can be controlled by the USFS when they are notified, saving many forest animals and the food chain. When the food chain is impacted is when forest animals come closer to residential areas and impact the communities.
The mountains at this time do not have any warnings from vector control on active diseases but, because of the wild animals in the forest, it is always important to be aware of that potential. Being knowledgeable is empowering and offers more safety for mountain residents.
0 Comments