Newsletters

A clear plastic container with water sits among dry, fallen leaves, possibly containing leaves or small debris inside.

A New Year, A New Habit: Mosquito Control Starts at Home

As we ring in the new year, many of us set goals for healthier, safer communities. One resolution that makes a real difference is controlling…

The image shows two yellow and black insects near a hole in dry, brown soil and grass, likely a nest or burrow site.

The Sting Operation: Yellowjacket Edition

One of the many services our District provides is the control of in-ground yellowjacket nests. This year we have responded to over 4,131 calls for…

A person pouring muddy water from a brown basin onto a wooden surface near a fence.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, and we need your help!

While you're doing a little spring cleaning this year, why not add a few steps to help reduce mosquito populations around your home?

A black bait box for rodent control on a dry grass surface.

Mosquito Surveillance 101: The Tools We Use to Track and Trap

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) maintains a comprehensive surveillance program to monitor the abundance of mosquitoes…

The image displays birds, a mosquito, people on a bench, and a horse, seemingly illustrating disease vectors and potential hosts or carriers.

What’s Buzzin’ This Summer?

Summer is here, bringing with it not only lots of sunshine, but unfortunately mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV) too! With the rise of West Nile…

Two dogs, two cats, and one puppy sitting together against a white background.

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases

As we emerge from spring and head into summer, spending time outdoors becomes more inviting. However, increasing time outside can also increase your…

Buzzing with Excitement: Join Us for Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District's Open House!

Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an exciting day hosted by the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. Explore…

Mosquito look-a-likes out in force.

During this time of year, the District receives numerous calls from the public regarding large swarms of mosquitoes in backyards and along bike trails…

Hey Teachers! Bring the Fascinating World of Local Vectors to Your Classroom.

“Whoa! They look like they’re fighting!”

Rat-astrophe Avoided: Winter Edition! How to Keep Those Sneaky Squeakers Out and Enjoy a Rodent-Free Zone!

During the winter months, rats often seek protection from the rain and cold weather in homes and outbuildings. Don’t let these destructive animals…

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets from West Nile Virus

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we aim to keep you informed about West Nile virus (WNV) and how to protect yourself and your pets. West Nile…

Navigating Yellowjacket Season: Staying Sting-Free at Outdoor Eats!

As we soak in the last rays of summer sun, it's prime time for sizzling BBQs and al fresco feasting. However, there's one uninvited guest (or multiple…

Safeguarding Your Best Friend - Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Dog from Canine Heartworm

As the weather warms up and spring turns to summer, it's important to remember that mosquitoes are not just a nuisance, but also a potential health…

The Buzz Stops Here: How to Keep Mosquitoes Away After the Rain

Heavy rain and flooding after a severe drought can lead to an increase in mosquito populations and a higher risk of mosquito-borne disease. With your…

Tick bite prevention begins with you!

Although different species and life stages come out at different times of the year, in Marin and Sonoma counties, ticks can be found year-round. We…

Five ways to rodent-proof your compost bin

Composting is a great way to manage your waste. Not only will you be sustainably recycling the food scraps and yard trimmings you generate all year…

How do I know if rats have taken up residence in my home?

Rats aren’t necessarily picky about where they take up residence. If they have water, shelter and food, rats will survive. However, they are more…

We’re on the lookout for invasive mosquitoes, and you should be too!

Nearly 10 years ago, two invasive mosquito species (Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, and Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito) were…

Mosquitoes continue to thrive despite lack of rain.

Lack of rain does not necessarily mean a lack of mosquitoes. In residential areas, utility vaults and the catch basins that allow rainwater to drain…

Protecting Public Health from Mosquitoes and Vector-borne Diseases—It’s All About Integrated Vector Management

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. Not only can their bites cause severe allergic reactions, but they can also spread debilitating diseases…

Ways to minimize rats in your garden

It’s spring, and that means many people are starting their yearly process of planting their gardens. A garden can be a smorgasbord for rodents…

Keep your pets safe from mosquitoes and ticks

Humans aren’t the only ones that can get diseases from mosquitoes and ticks—your pets can too! Pets are important members of your family and rely on…

Landscaping tips to keep ticks at bay

Have you ever thought about your own backyard when it comes to protecting yourself and your pets from ticks? Most backyards aren’t prime habitat for…

Think it’s too cold for ticks? Think again!

Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick, is not deterred by the cold weather we have been experiencing lately in the North Bay. In fact, last…

The five most common questions about rodents and rodent control

Each year we receive hundreds of calls seeking advice on how to control or prevent rodent issues in and around homes. Here are answers to the five…

What makes us such tasty treats for hungry mosquitoes?

In our last newsletter we discussed how yellowjackets have a knack for ruining backyard barbeques, so we would be remiss if we didn’t mention another…

Oh, the woes of yellowjacket season. Why do they want my food and how can I get rid of them?

Nothing ruins a relaxing backyard barbecue more than an army of yellowjackets trying to get a bite of your juicy, protein-packed meal. Well, nothing…

How mosquitofish can help protect you from mosquitoes

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were first introduced into California for the control of mosquito larvae in the 1920’s and continue to be an important…

A Closer Look: MSMVCD’s Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance Program

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (the District) maintains a multifaceted surveillance program for viruses transmitted by…

A Closer Look: MSMVCD’s Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program

Throughout the year, District laboratory staff collect ticks of different species and life stages from trails in state, regional, and local parks and…

Q&A with the Scientific Programs Manager

Meet Dr. Kelly Liebman, Scientific Programs Manager at the District! Kelly has been studying and working with vector-borne diseases for more than 15…