Preparing for Mosquito Season as summer approaches

Summer is just weeks away which means increased "Mosquito Days" could be on the horizon.

According to Climate Central, Mosquito Days occur when the average relative humidity is 42 percent or higher. 

Mosquitos thrive in muggy, warm weather, which can be synonymous with Coachella Valley summers.

Increased Mosquito Days could lead to more opportunities for mosquito bites. Some bites could pose potential health risks as certain mosquitos species, like the Aedes aegypti which are native to the valley, can transmit the West Nile virus.

Fortunately for valley residents, Palm Springs has seen 15 less mosquito days compared to 40 years ago.

Also, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in California in 2023 thus far.

Local agencies like the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District are working to ensure that statement stands heading into the summer months.

The district works to track the life cycle of the 13 native species of mosquitos, conduct tests in mosquito-prone areas like the East valley and in their on-site lab as a part of their Integrated Vector Management program.

“Everything is science based and we do it thinking about the environment... we can protect the Coachella Valley's residents in the most environmentally friendly and cost effective way while doing what we have to protect public health," said Fernando Gutierrez, community liaison for the Coachella Valley Vector and Mosquito Control District.

The district says they are open to residential calls but keeping your surroundings dry and wearing EPA approved mosquito repellent should be the first defense for valley residents.

EPA approved mosquito repellent includes:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Para-menthane-diol