Non-Native Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Detected in Gilroy
We have confirmed the presence of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the county once again. One adult Aedes have been detected so far in a residential area of Gilroy. The discovery in Gilroy comes as the district continues its effort to eliminate the day-biting insect from a neighborhood in East San José.
This mosquito is of special concern because it has the potential to transmit a variety of diseases, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Unlike some of our native mosquitoes that breed in marshes and swamps, Aedes aegypti prefer containers and live in close proximity to humans and thrive in areas like our backyards. The invasive species is about a quarter inch in size with black and white stripes on its back and legs. It is an aggressive mosquito that will bite at any time of day, even indoors.
We are carrying out an eradication plan to combat the aggressive mosquito species and we urge residents to help protect the community by removing sources of standing water on their properties. It's important for residents to look around their yard and outside their home and dump out even the smallest amount of standing water.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them immediately to the Vector Control District at (408) 918-4770 or [email protected]. We encourage residents to email photographs of mosquitoes with black and white stripes to the same address.