OROVILLE >> More heat means more mosquitoes during the morning and evening hours, and mosquitoes generally have a selection of victims during big outdoor holidays like the Fourth of July.

While Butte County hasn’t seen any West Nile Virus cases this year, the disease has been reported in other parts of the state, including one human case in Southern California. Aaron Goff, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District specialist II, provided some tips to avoid the bite.

“The best thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings,” Goff said. “What’s your exposure rate, what hours of the day are you going to be outside, and when are mosquitoes active. If you are going to be active in the morning or in the evening, take the proper precautions to wear repellent, wear long sleeves and just be aware of where you’re at.”

Goff recommended using repellents that have a high percentage of N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, more commonly known as DEET.

Fireworks, an Independence Day staple, can cause smoke which can add a natural repellent, but probably shouldn’t be relied upon as opposed to covering up and using DEET. Goff went on to say that basic measures should be enough to help ward off mosquitoes and avoid disease.“My biggest thing is, I’m not going to stop living my life,” Goff said. “I’m going to take whatever precautions and I’m going to enjoy whatever festivities that I can. I would tell everyone the same thing, unless they have some sort of underlying issues or conditions that are affecting their health. You’re most prone to contracting any kind of virus or disease when your immune system is down or you have a compromised immune system.”

Goff said these ailments aren’t necessarily reflective of other illnesses or diseases, but also of lifestyle. Fatigue from a lack of sleep can also dampen the immune system.

Prevention, reporting

The primary source of mosquitoes is standing water. Mosquito larvae live in the water before maturing and becoming a swarm of little biters.

“Wherever water flows, you’re going to have a potential for mosquitoes to grow there,” Goff said. “And so that’s one of our campaigns. Basically, to reduce water on your own on your property. Take care of things at home routinely. Checking your own property is really helpful for us.”

In cases such as streams, ponds and pools where the water can’t be easily dumped or removed, employees with the district can make house calls to analyze the potential for mosquito growth.

“That alerts us to where there might be an issue and we can identify it better for them,” Goff said. “So a lot of the communication and public outreach is really important to what we do.”

The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District also offers mosquito fish as a way to cull local larva populations before they mature.

“We have mosquito fish in several locations around the county that are free to grab at a lot of businesses,” Goff said. “And also, upon request, we deliver them and some people come out to the office and get them.”

The public can reach the district for more information and requests for service by calling 530-533-6038.

“We are very active right now and very visible,” Goff said. “And so anytime anyone has a question, we’re always open and available to take calls to explain or entertain why we’re doing what we’re doing.”