February 2026 Newsletter

Dump standing water to prevent mosquito breeding

Photograph focused on a round tray partially filled with water. There are green leaves in the foreground.

Warm weather, cool weather, dry weather, wet weather - mosquitoes love it all and can breed year-round! While their life cycle may take longer in cooler weather, they are still around and growing in a variety of water sources. Our staff have been finding mosquito larvae in backyard sources throughout the County. Don't forget to check for and dump out any standing water where mosquitoes might be breeding!

Expert insect identification - one of the many services we offer!

A person examines samples under a microscope in a lab, surrounded by petri dishes and a pen on the table. — Laboratory Director Angie identifying insects collected using a carbon-dioxide-baited trap.

Did you know that our staff can identify many kind of insects? Our staff are particularly knoweldgable about insects that bite and/or sting. (In case you didn't know, biting is something that insects do with their mouth/head end, while stinging is something they do with a modified bit on their bottom end.) Reach out if you something is 'bugging' you! Dead, but not completely squished, samples are best - we need to look at certain characteristics to identify the sample.

Prevent tick bites

A black magnifying glass focuses on a dark brown adult tick — Always check for ticks after a hike!

Ticks wait on tall grasses and short bushes to crawl onto a host. Always do a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors in tall grasses or wooded areas.

We are still in peak season for adult western black-legged ticks to be 'questing' for a blood meal. If you hike or spend time outside in grassy or wooded areas, protect yourself and your family from ticks by following a few simple steps. Learn more HERE.

Check your rain barrel for mosquitoes!

Computer generated image of a rain barrel top with a small hole in the mesh. Little mosquito larvae are in the water, and adult mosquitoes are flying out. The text reads "Rain barrels can breed mosquitoes. Check today that your rain barrel is securely screened. Not sure if you already have little larvae growing into adult mosquitoes? We can check!" "650-344-8592 www.smcmvcd.org" "Mosquito control is a taxpayer-funded service."

Have a rain barrel? Check for mosquito larvae! To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your rainwater collection containers, cover each container snugly with window screening. Already have larvae or are unsure if you have larvae? We can check and help you with a solution! Please fill out a service request or give us a call.

Save the date for our 2026 Open House

Open House for San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control on June 27, 2026, from 12-4 PM at 1351 Rollins Road, Burlingame.

Our Open House will be held Saturday, June 27 from 12-4pm. Learn more HERE.