Mosquito Swarm Alert: Orange County Braces for Summer Surge

Southern California is experiencing a significant surge in mosquito populations following recent rainfall. Vector Control inspectors in Orange County have observed the largest increase in mosquitoes in the past five years.

According to Brian Brannon, an inspector with Orange County Vector Control, the area is seeing five times the average number of mosquitoes for this time of year. He emphasized that extensive mosquito breeding is currently underway.

Vector Control further explained that new mosquitoes can develop within a week after breeding. The presence of standing water, even as little as a capful, creates a breeding ground for these insects.

Inspector Danny Bui noted that a mere bottle cap of water can be responsible for breeding up to 100 mosquitoes. Common breeding sites include plant saucers, buckets, and flower containers that retain water.

Pest control experts are advising residents to regularly inspect their yards for water-filled containers left by recent storms. They recommend emptying these containers at least once a week to disrupt the mosquito life cycle.

Brannon cautioned that the current mosquito numbers could lead to a much larger problem by summer. He stressed the importance of immediate action to eliminate standing water wherever possible to prevent exponential growth.