"DAY-BITTING MOSQUITOES" BREEDING NOW

"Day-biting mosquitoes" breed from now to October in salt marshes and wetlands like Huntington Beach's Bolsa Chica and the Navy Base area of Seal Beach, according to Orange County Vector Control. "They bite in the day versus the fresh water mosquitoes, which bite at dawn and dusk," explained Bob Huff, Vector Control Inspector. "Joggers, bicyclists and walkers especially notice the salt marsh insects, that can fly up to 10 miles." He said Vector Control monitors, samples and applies mosquito abatement procedures, including improving water flow, using fish that eat the 'skitters and applying biological agents. They have a crew that removes vegetation so the water can flow properly in wetlands, marshes and swampy areas. OCVCD also gives free larvae-eating fish to people for use in ornamental ponds and unused swimming pools. They also use "biorational" pesticides, which provide effective mosquito control with the least impact on the environment. Homeowners also can help by reporting unused ponds or pools and getting rid of standing water at their homes. To learn more, go to ocvcd.org