Vector Control Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is a vector?

    A vector is an insect or other animal capable of transmitting diseases to people. Some examples of vectors in San Diego County are mosquitoes, ticks, and rats. 

  • I received my tax bill today, and noticed assessments for mosquito surveillance and vector disease control. What are these assessments for?

    These assessments provide mosquito and other vector borne disease control and surveillance services throughout San Diego County including:

    • Early detection of public health threats through comprehensive vector surveillance
    • Control and reduction of mosquitoes that transmit diseases to humans
    • Dissemination of vector-borne disease information to provide County residents and property owners with tools for prevention, protection, and reporting of vectors that transmit diseases
    • Appropriate and timely response to vector-related customer complaints
    • Rapid detection of vector-borne pathogens

    For more information on how the assessments are reviewed and determined, please refer to the yearly Engineer’s Report. 

  • What diseases can mosquitoes transmit?

    In San Diego County, there are 27 different species of mosquitoes, at least 9 of which are known to carry diseases that can be passed to humans. Several native mosquitoes that tend to bite during dusk and dawn can transmit West Nile virus. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day and can transmit Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses if they first bite someone who is infected.

  • How can I prevent mosquitoes from breeding on my property?

    Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. To prevent mosquito breeding, dump out standing water inside and outside at least once a week, in places such as buckets, birdbaths, saucers under potted plants, and children's toys. Add mosquito fish (available free of charge from the Vector Control Program) or a mosquito larvicide (available for purchase at home and garden stores, follow all instructions on the label) to water in backyard ponds, fountains, landscape drains, and unfiltered pools. Use our Prevention Checklist as a guide to get started!

  • How can I protect myself and my family against mosquito bites?

    Put screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. When spending time outside, wear long sleeves and pants. Apply insect repellent containing an EPA-approved active ingredient such as: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535.  Use insect repellent as directed on the label.

  • How do I report a mosquito problem, green pool, or dead bird?

    Contact the Vector Control Program by phone or email to:

    • Report persistent mosquito issues, request an inspection, or for questions and advice about mosquito control
    • Report a green pool or other source of mosquito breeding
    • Report dead birds such as crows, jays, hawks, and owls

    (858) 694-2888  
    vector@sdcounty.ca.gov

  • Where can I learn about upcoming mosquito treatments?

    The aerial larvicide treatment schedule is available here. If the VCP determines that a treatment targeting adult mosquitoes is necessary to protect public health, the time and location of the treatment will be posted here. 

  • Why are rats considered vectors?

    Wild rats are destructive pests that contaminate food and can transmit diseases such as plague, food-poisoning, rat-bite fever, and parasitic diseases such as tapeworm. They are also able to carry rat mites. In addition, rats can cause structural damage or even house fires by gnawing on walls and electrical wires.

  • How do I know if I have rats on my property?

    Check for the most common signs of rat activity.

    • Rat droppings
    • Signs of gnawing
    • Stripped bark on trees
    • Scratching or scurrying sounds coming from the walls
    • Dark-colored, greasy stains on walls caused by rubbing of their fur
    • Damaged food containers and food
    • Piles of empty snail shells under plants in the garden
    • Sometimes you will notice a sweet, musty smell caused by the urine of rats.
  • How can I discourage rats from nesting on my property?

    Rodent proof your home and storage buildings; seal all openings wider than a quarter. Remove food sources from your property including garbage, fallen fruits and nuts, and pet food. Get rid of rat habitat by removing trash and debris from the property, stacking woodpiles at least 18 inches above the ground and 12 inches away from fences and walls, and removing heavy vegetation, and trimming trees bushes and vines to at least 4 feet away from the roof. More rat control tips are available here. 

  • How can the Vector Control Program assist me with rats on my property?

    If you think you have a rat problem, you can call or email the Vector Control Program (858-694-2888/vector@sdcounty.ca.gov). The Vector Control Program offers FREE on-site rat inspections of your property and a FREE Rat Control Starter kit. The VCP is not a pest control agency and will not trap, bait, or remove rodents, but will assess your property and advise you on the best ways to control the problem yourself. In some cases, you or your property manager may need to seek additional assistance from a pest control company.

  • How can I safely clean up rodent droppings

    Air out unused rooms or buildings that have been empty for a long period of time. Leave doors and windows open for 30 minutes. Wear latex or rubber gloves and protective respiratory equipment, such as a face mask. DO NOT stir up dust by sweeping up or vacuuming rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials, instead use a wet cleaning method. Make a disinfectant solution (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) and spray the solution on contaminated areas like floors, fecal droppings, and nests. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then wipe up with paper towels.  Place any dead rodents, nesting material, and soiled cleaning supplies in a plastic bag and then seal it and throw it away. After cleaning, wash your gloved hands, remove the gloves and dispose of them, and then wash your bare hands as well.

  • What is a tick?

    A tick is not an insect, but instead is more closely related to a spider. It is a small ectoparasite, meaning it remains on the outside of its host while taking a meal. Ticks feed on the blood of mammals, birds and reptiles. You may not realize that you have been bitten by a tick for several days because you can hardly feel the bite. Once bitten, ticks can stay attached to you for several weeks if you do not remove them. Some ticks can transmit diseases such as Tularemia and Lyme disease. 

  • How can I keep ticks from biting me?

    Stay on paths and trails when hiking and avoid brush and low-lying vegetation. Wear light-colored long sleeved-shirts and long pants when outdoors. For extra protection, tuck your shirt in, and turn your pant cuffs into your socks. Use tick repellents containing DEET or Picaridin. Apply repellent to clothing and exposed skin; follow the label directions carefully. After you are in a tick-infested area, examine yourself and your companions for ticks and remove them right away.

  • If a tick is attached to me, how can I remove it?

    If you find an attached tick, remove it right away. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick straight out, using a firm, steady motion. Do not twist, squish, or burn an attached tick. After removing the tick, wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite area. Save the tick and give it to your doctor or contact the Vector Control Program for identification. If redness or pain develops at the tick bite site or the tick cannot be removed, consult your doctor.

  • What spiders or scorpions should I be concerned about in San Diego County?
    Spiders: Most spiders pose no threat to humans but be wary of the black widow and brown widow spiders. If bitten by one of these venomous spiders, seek medical attention.

    Scorpions: Although their sting may be painful, none of the species of scorpions found in San Diego County are considered lethal. You should still consider seeking medical attention for a sting.

 

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