West Nile virus activity

We have detected West Nile virus in several dead birds in the Menlo Park/Atherton area. To stay up-to-date with West Nile virus information, visit this page.

 

Check your rain barrel screens and covers

As we start to get the first rains of the fall, it's a great time to check that your rain barrels are mosquito-proof!

Check your rain barrel screen to be sure there are no tears, holes, or gaps where a small mosquito can enter to lay her eggs. Screens should be fine mesh, and ALL openings need to be covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

If you notice mosquito larvae in your rain barrel, you have a few options. You can fix the screen and securely cover any openings with fine mesh screening to prevent mosquitoes from entering and exiting. You can also place a 'mosquito dunk' in your barrel.  Mosquito dunks can be purchased at your local hardware/outdoor/garden store. These dunks contain Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a type of bacteria that specifically targets mosquito larvae. The Bti typically lasts about 1 month, so you will need to add a dunk each month until you are able to securely cover your barrel.  Bti will not harm people, pets and other animals, aquatic life, or other insects, including honeybees.

If you are not sure if little wiggly things in your rain barrel water are mosquito larvae, you can call us!  One of our certified technicians can stop by to check and help you with a custom solution for your rain barrel.  Your taxes pay for our services, so there is no charge for us to stop by to check.  You can fill out a service request or give us a call at 650-344-8592.