Are there mosquitoes in san francisco

It is year round with increasing activity from May through November. However, mosquitoes, especially the pesky Northern House Mosquito, Culex pipiens, are active year-round in the City. These mosquitoes develop at temperatures above 50 degrees F, developing faster as temperatures increase. Some factors that contribute to greater mosquito activity this mosquito season than previous years was the return of the rains and warmer temperatures early on.

While the rains are good for flushing out our sewer and storm drain system the additional rainwater collects in clogged gutters, old tires, and containers of all kinds on the outside of buildings, in parks, and vacant lots across the City.

However large bodies of stagnant water are capable of producing thousands of mosquitoes which can travel up to 2 miles away in search of a blood meal. People over the age of 60 are at greatest risk of developing serious symptoms when infected. To avoid mosquitoes, people should dump or drain any standing water in their yards, wear an Environmental Protection Agency-recommended mosquito repellent and report any dead birds, as they can be the first sign of West Nile in an area, the vector agency said.

Repellent is most important at sunrise and sundown, and officials suggest products with either DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. One of the biggest risks are neglected swimming pools, Woods said, which can produce up to 1 million new mosquitoes in a season if not properly tended, as standing water is a common breeding ground for the insect. Danielle Echeverria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

Things that attract mosquitoes include:. In San Francisco, mosquitoes are more likely to be the uninvited guests. Bea Karnes , Patch Staff. Posted Wed, May 13, at am PT. Reply 1. These are the worst U. Find out what's happening in San Francisco with free, real-time updates from Patch. Let's go! Things that attract mosquitoes include: Standing water in bird baths, fountains, potted plants, wading pools and other children's toys. They thrive in urban and residential areas, unlike other species, because their eggs can survive in dry conditions for months and require just a tiny amount of standing water to hatch.

Most Popular. But the potential for in-state transmission remains. San Francisco Health Department pauses controversial plan to shift long-term beds for mentally ill. Top of the News.