Colusa Mosquito Abatement District

 Anopheles freeborni

As we begin to move from winter into early spring, you will notice increased mosquito activity when outside temperatures reach 60 degrees.

The Anopheles freeborni mosquito will overwinter in the adult stage during the colder months, going into hibernation (diapause) beginning late October. Overwintering locations for this mosquito are any dry, dark, warm space away from wet conditions and cold temperatures. Garages, warehouses, and porches are among the few larger of these areas. A small sheet of plywood leaning up against a fence does well for this species to make it through the chilly winter months.

As outside temperatures reach 60 degrees, the Anopheles freeborni will wake from hibernation and immediately seek a quick blood meal. If temperatures drop, they will go back into hibernation in their protected spaces. This is the main reason it is difficult and not recommended to try any control methods for this mosquito. Once temperatures stay at or above 60 degrees, these mosquitoes are more out in the open areas, seeking blood meals and places to lay their eggs. This is the most opportune time to try any control methods for the Anopheles freeborni.

Summer months are when this mosquito is most active and abundant. Flooded agricultural and wetland areas are the main habitat for this mosquito. Mosquito control efforts for the Anopheles freeborni and all other genus of mosquitoes are the highest priority from late June to the end of October for most mosquito control districts.

As we begin to enjoy our outdoor areas on a more regular basis, the Colusa Mosquito Abatement District asks everyone that is out and about, to keep an eye out for mosquito breeding sources around their homes and neighborhoods. Anything that can hold water is prime habitat for mosquitoes.

The Colusa Mosquito Abatement District is continuing to implement their surveillance program, along with their larval control program. These services which start in the spring, run through summer, and will continue through fall. The districts adulticide program, which began in May, will continue to the middle of November. Please see the district's spray schedule on the Services tab above.

The Colusa Mosquito Abatement District asks that if you are spending time outdoors, to use preventative measures such as repellants, long sleeve shirts, and long pants. Please feel free to contact the district if you have any questions or concerns.

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