Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito found in Redwood City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Curtis-Robles, PhD
Communications Director
650-344-8592
Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito found in Redwood City
Burlingame, CA (July 27, 2026) - The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District has recently detected invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Friendly Acres neighborhood of Redwood City. The District is checking properties in the area to determine how widespread the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are in the area.
Aedes aegypti are small (about ¼ inch) black and white mosquitoes that bite aggressively during the day. They are an invasive species not native to California, but they have become established throughout the United States, including in many California counties. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can potentially spread several diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. At this time, the risk of Aedes aegypti spreading disease in San Mateo County is very low.
“We need the public’s help to stop this mosquito. Our staff are working hard to prevent the mosquito from spreading. Our goal is to control and eliminate invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from San Mateo County,” said District Manager Brian Weber.
District staff will be doing door-to-door property visits in the Friendly Acres neighborhood and nearby areas to find standing water where mosquitoes can grow. District staff will set extra mosquito traps to find invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Resident involvement is critical to help protect the neighborhood from the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The mosquitoes lay their eggs in small containers such as saucers under potted plants, bird baths, fountains, toys, old tires, yard drains, and small puddles in many outdoor containers.
“Dumping standing water is one of the most effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home,” said Rachel Curtis-Robles, communications director for the District. “Even small amounts of water – as small as a bottle cap full of water – can produce mosquitoes. It’s important to check around your home and dump water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes.”
Residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites by doing the following:
- Dump all standing water at least once a week, including water in vases, flowerpots and saucers, old tires, buckets, pet water dishes, bird baths, and trash cans. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in very small amounts of standing water.
- When outside and mosquitoes are active, apply insect repellent containing an active ingredient registered with the Environmental Protection Agency – such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 – according to label instructions.
- Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
- Be sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Report biting mosquitoes to the District at 650-344-8592 or online at https://www.smcmvcd.org/.
County residents may recall that the Aedes aegypti mosquito was found in Menlo Park from 2013-2015 but was successfully eradicated. The eradication was successful because residents collaborated with the District’s efforts. “The previous success was only possible because the public did their part in dumping standing water, reporting biting mosquitoes, and letting us check their properties for standing water. Again, we need the help and cooperation of residents of the area to find and eliminate this mosquito,” said Operations Director Casey Stevenson.
For more information about invasive Aedes aegypti and District services, call 650-344-8592 or visit www.smcmvcd.org. The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s programs and services are funded through property taxes and benefit assessments and are provided to all residents in San Mateo County at no additional charge.
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About the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District: We are an independent special government district focused on protecting the public health of the residents of San Mateo County through a science-based program of integrated vector management that is responsive to the community. The District delivers specific services to residents and businesses under the guidance of a Board of Trustees comprising representatives from each of the 20 cities in San Mateo County and the County Board of Supervisors.
