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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2025 25 We all look forward to the warm weather during our summer months. However, the wonderful Mediterranean climate we enjoy in Southern California brings a higher inux of mosquitoes, bees, and other stinging insects. e following information from the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Vector Control (www.rivcoeh. org) provides facts about mosquitoes, their prevention, and control. FACTS ABOUT MOSQUITOES 1 – All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle. 2 – Only seven days are required to complete their life cycle (egg to adult) during warm weather. 3 – Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although ying adults frequently rest in these areas during day light hours 4 – Only the female mosquito bites to obtain a blood meal. e male mosquito feeds only on plant juices. 5 – e female mosquito may live as long as three weeks during the summer or many months over the winter to lay their eggs in the following spring. Several of the 48 known species of mosquitoes in California can carry disease under the right conditions. It is important to note that invasive Aedes mosquitoes have made their way into many counties in California. All about AEDES mosquitoes: • Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are urban mosquitoes that feed primarily on humans. • ey are aggressive "day-biters" found both indoors and outdoors. • ey especially like to feed on ankles, wrists, and elbows. • Both species lay eggs in small sources of water, as small as a bottle cap. • Eggs can survive on the surfaces of containers for a long time and hatch when the container lls with water. • Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are major annoyances and a public health threat. PREVENTING MOSQUITO INFESTATIONS Eliminate Breeding Sites: • Every week, dump and scrub containers that hold standing water. • Keep rain gutters free of debris. • Keep decorative fountains operational or drain the water. • Change water in animal watering dishes oen, at minimum weekly. • Make sure drain pipes are not clogged and collecting water. • Eliminate anything that holds water! PROTECTING AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES • Cover up: Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. • Screens: Make sure doors and windows have screens that t tightly and do not have holes. • Use insect repellent: Apply repellent with active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon oil, or eucalyptus oil to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). OUCH! AVOIDING THE STING While outdoors, we nd ourselves sharing our environment with mosquitoes, wasps, bees, hornets, and other stinging insects. It is important for us to know how to respond to and treat stings, especially since some people may be allergic. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and wear medical ID jewelry stating their allergy. e National Safety Council has put together the following tips to help prevent stings: • Wear clean, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible. • Do not use scented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants before working outdoors. • Avoid working near owering plants. • Stay calm if a stinging insect is ying around. Swatting at it may cause it to sting. If multiple stinging insects approach, go indoors or to a shaded area. • If an insect is inside your vehicle, stop slowly and open the windows. If you are stung: • Wash the sting site with soap and water. • Remove the stinger using gauze wiped over the area or by scraping a ngernail over the area. Do not squeeze the stinger or use tweezers. • Apply ice to the sting area to help reduce swelling. • Do not scratch the sting site, as this can cause swelling, itching, and risk of infection. • If you have an allergic reaction, get medical attention as soon as possible! If available, use an epinephrine auto- injector (EpiPen®). Community Awareness Meeting We want to extend a special invitation to our current Block Captains, as well as to anyone interested in becoming a Block Captain, to attend this month's Community Awareness Meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 10 am in e Lodge Ballroom. All are welcome! We have tentatively scheduled a presentation by Dr. Karan Singh, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician, from San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. Remember, if you see something, say something! We would like to thank our Block Captains and Community Awareness Committee members for all they do to help keep our community safe. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail. com Community Awareness

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