The fight against the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes has intensified in Santa Clara County, prompting local vector control teams to take action after detecting these non-native pests. Known for spreading diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, Aedes aegypti were recently spotted in a residential area of Santa Clara, joining other colonies in East San José and Gilroy, according to the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District.

An eradication strategy is in full swing, including trapping adult mosquitoes, targeting larvae, eliminating habitats like standing water and applying pesticides. With 58 specimens already found in an initial operation, the district may increase efforts, employing backpack and barrier spraying if the mosquitoes persist. The district emphasizes the importance of public cooperation, urging residents to inspect their properties and eliminate standing water to help curb the mosquito population.

Edgar Nolasco, director of the County of Santa Clara Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the critical role of public collaboration: "We are doing everything we can to prevent Aedes aegypti from becoming established in Santa Clara County – and we urgently need the public’s help," he told Santa Clara County News. Residents are encouraged to grant district staff access to their properties for inspections to ensure the effort is as thorough as possible.

The Vector Control District has scheduled a community meeting for Wednesday to update residents on the situation and address concerns regarding mosquito control. The meeting, open to residents of Santa Clara, Gilroy, and East San José, will take place at Bracher Elementary School at 7 p.m. Homeowners are advised to inspect their properties for stagnant water and use repellents when outdoors during peak mosquito hours.