The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) is an independent Special District that provides services rooted in science and public health, including mosquito monitoring, environmentally conscious control measures, and public education. Our program focuses on monitoring mosquito populations, applying Integrated Vector Management strategies to reduce mosquitoes, and educating the public on prevention.

For more information or to request service, visit our services page.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) offers residential property inspections, larvicide treatment/mosquitofish (when applicable), and public education/outreach to Alameda County residents. Our services are provided at no charge to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus (WNV). You can request service directly on our services page.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District monitors several mosquito species and the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus (WNV). We monitor native and invasive mosquito species (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti) within the County. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been found in Alameda County since 2024 and the District is expanding our mosquito monitoring, control and public outreach efforts to limit the spread of this mosquito species.

Our mosquito surveillance program and mosquito control efforts, part of an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach, focus on detecting and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission, such as West Nile virus.

To prevent mosquitoes, regularly check and inspect your property for standing water. Dump or drain water from sources like flowerpot saucers, bird baths, clogged gutters, tarps, drains, and containers. Keep pools and water features maintained and treated and ensure window screens are intact.

By reducing standing water around your home, you can eliminate potential mosquito sources and help reduce mosquito populations. Use our backyard checklist for easy tips to prevent mosquitoes at home.

There are several effective backyard mosquito control methods, including eliminating standing water and using larvicides for standing water sources that cannot be drained. The first approach should be source reduction at least once a week, including emptying stagnant water in bird baths, pot saucers, and buckets, cleaning gutters, and removing yard litter, tarps, or water toys at least once a week. We also recommend that residents check containers holding plant clippings or used for plant propagation, especially those that are moved between indoors and outdoors.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District offers services to Alameda County residents at no cost. These services include residential property inspections, larvicide treatment/mosquitofish (when applicable), and public education presentations to community groups. Use our backyard checklist for tips.

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been found in Alameda County since 2024. This mosquito is the only species in the County capable of transmitting dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Native mosquito species in Alameda County do not transmit these diseases. Currently, there is no evidence of local transmission. However, travel-related cases do occur, and the District responds by conducting:

• Mosquito monitoring surveillance and trapping,
• Mosquito control, and/or
• Door-to-door inspections where certified District technicians inspect and check yards for standing water sources.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are often called “ankle biters” because they tend to bite people around the feet and lower legs. The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District encourages residents to remove standing water around their homes and yards using our checklist. Residents should also contact the District if they notice unusual, aggressive daytime mosquito biting—especially around the ankles and legs—to schedule an inspection and receive guidance on controlling mosquitoes around their home.

If you believe that you have found Aedes aegypti in Alameda County, take a clear picture of the mosquito and submit this form. District staff will contact you to share findings and, if needed, discuss next steps.

Effective mosquito management starts with careful observation and data collection by our trained District staff. ACMAD's mosquito surveillance program, part of an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach, monitors mosquito populations through traps and inspections and identifies breeding areas and seasonal trends across our neighborhoods in Alameda County. We analyze the collected mosquito samples to identify species and assess the risk of disease transmission. Our surveillance efforts inform us where mosquito activity is increasing, which species are present in the area, and help guide mosquito control treatments to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission in Alameda County.

Monitoring mosquito populations allows experts to respond quickly and apply appropriate control strategies to reduce the mosquito population that can transmit diseases. Our mosquito control program uses this surveillance data to guide targeted actions that reduce mosquito populations efficiently and responsibly.

Yes, mosquito treatments provided by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District are safe for people, pets, and wildlife. The District implements an environmentally conscious and evidence-based Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach where mosquito treatment prioritizes human safety, environmental responsibility, and community health. We also prioritize the use of environmentally responsible methods, including biological treatments, such as mosquitofish, and source reduction, where we promote the practice of removing standing water around homes.

When appropriate, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District also conducts targeted larvicide and/or adulticide mosquito control treatments. All pesticides used are registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applications are conducted by state-certified (California Department of Public Health) technicians who follow California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and Alameda County Department of Agriculture guidelines.

All pesticides used by the District are listed alongside their corresponding label and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) here.

If you notice a significant increase in mosquito activity, contact the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District immediately. We will send a trained technician to inspect the area, identify standing water sources with mosquito breeding activity (remember, mosquitoes need standing water to complete their life cycle), and implement appropriate control measures to reduce the mosquito population. Our services are provided at no cost for all Alameda County residents. You can request service online or call the District at (510) 783-7744.

Our team continuously monitors mosquito populations throughout the year, especially during peak mosquito breeding seasons in the warmer months – April through October. Surveillance is conducted regularly to ensure we can respond quickly to potential issues. This ongoing monitoring is essential for early detection and disease prevention in the County.

To request free mosquito services, simply contact the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District by calling us at (510) 783-7744 or submitting a service request form online. Our team will follow up by sending trained technician to inspect the area, identify standing water sources with mosquito breeding activity (remember, mosquitoes need standing water to complete their life cycle), breeding sources, and implement appropriate control measures to reduce the mosquito population at no cost to you. .

Successful mosquito management requires a balanced approach that focuses on prevention, monitoring, and treatment. The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District relies on Integrated Vector Management,, a strategy that combines environmentally responsible methods with science-based decision making. This approach prioritizes prevention first, while using treatment solutions when necessary. Targeted mosquito control treatment may include larval control, source reduction, and other safe techniques designed to reduce mosquito breeding while prioritizing minimal environmental impact. Through community awareness, monitoring programs, and responsible vector management practices, residents can enjoy safer outdoor spaces and healthier communities.

Residents seeking reliable mosquito management support can rely on the expertise and community-focused programs provided by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. Our goal is to improve the health and comfort of County residents by reducing mosquitoes and limiting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases throughout Alameda County, California.

Mosquito lookalikes—such as midges, crane flies, and gnats—are often mistaken for biting mosquitoes but are typically harmless. True mosquitoes have a slender body, long legs, narrow wings, and a distinct proboscis used for biting; they are also smaller than a thumb nail. . Lookalikes usually lack this piercing mouthpart and do not bite humans. If you are unsure, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District can help identify insects at no cost to Alameda County residents.