Tara Roth has a B.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of California Davis, an M.S. in Ecology and Systematics from San Francisco State University, and a PhD from the University of California Davis in Integrative Pathobiology with a designated emphasis in the Biology of Vector Borne Diseases. Before joining the San Mateo Vector Control District her research focused on the ecology and epidemiology of tularemia in the California Central Valley. Tara specializes in the ecology of multiple tick and flea borne diseases including Lyme borreliosis, Rickettsia felis, rocky mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and tularemia.

Tara's answers to a few questions about working with the District:

What is your favorite part of your job?

Honestly, just working outside. I’ve never been good at sitting at a desk all day, and this job gives me a wonderful balance between physical activity outdoors and desk work indoors. I love the problem-solving aspects of the job and the incredible variety of tasks.

What interest/background brought you to this job?

I originally worked with rodent-borne diseases and small mammals in graduate school. Then one evening I went to a party with the botany and entomology graduate students and shifted my focus the next week. They were the most relaxed, creative, and happy people. Working in public health isn't always the most relaxing way to practice entomology, but it’s been a nice balance.

What is something you wish everyone knew about insects?

Insects are MUCH smarter than we give them credit for. Many species are perfectly evolved to live in our homes, and you will never be able to truly eliminate them without harming yourself; so it’s best to figure out what your 'creep threshold' is and live with that.

What is a myth about insects that isn’t actually true?

There is a myth that every night spiders descend from the ceiling, climb over your body (even into your ears and nose) and bite you all over. This just isn’t true. Spiders rarely bite people unless antagonized. They can’t eat you, and you’re dangerous to them so they have absolutely no interest in interacting with you in any way (except curiosity). If you are waking up with bites or marks every morning, it’s not spiders causing it.

What could cause mystery biting?

The most common cause of unexplained bites that we see here is biting mites – usually tropical rat mites brought in by roof rats. The second most common cause is contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to something in your environment). There are many, many other possibilities for physicians to help you rule out after you rule out the first two. Skin reactions are extremely difficult to diagnose. We offer rodent inspections and insect ID services to help rule out biting insects, but sometimes it just ends up being a medical mystery.   

Our staff work throughout the entire County. Where is the best view in the County?

Two places. The top of the ridge at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve where you can see all the way to the ocean, and Skylawn Memorial Park and Cemetery. Some places in Skylawn you can see both the Bay and the Ocean from the same location.

What is your favorite fact about mosquitoes?

Males and females “sing” to each other with their wing beats (learn more in the scientific publication). If they harmonize, they are the same species and they’ll mate.

Our staff are outdoorsy and love spending time in nature off-the-clock as well!  What is your favorite hiking/camping/fishing/nature spot in San Mateo County?

I have a soft spot for Memorial County Park. My parents used to take us every year to car camp there, and the redwoods are beautiful. Best hiking for recreation/views for me would be Edgewood Regional Park and best hiking for exercise would be Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

*Special note about Tara - Tara is also an amazing artist!  Some of her entomology-themed artwork can be found at our District office.  Some of her work is also included throughout our website (the accurate drawings on our biting mite page, for example). Her scientific drawings are also included in some taxonomic keys and published work (check out her drawings of otter nasal mites).

What residents have to say about Tara: