Vectors

What is a Vector?

Vectors, as defined by the California Department of Public Health, are “any insect or other arthropod, rodent or other animal of public health significance capable of harboring or transmitting the causative agents of human disease, or capable of causing human discomfort and injury." Under this definition of a vector, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) provides surveillance and control measures for rats, mosquitoes, flies, and Red Imported Fire Ants.

The District provides services to all 34 Orange County cities and unincorporated areas to control for these vectors. The District conducts regular surveillance for vectors and vector-borne diseases that can make the citizens of, or visitors to, Orange County ill, or can be a nuisance.

While the District conducts regular surveillance and control measures throughout the County there are a number of things homeowners can do around their homes to protect themselves from vectors.

May contain: insect, animal, invertebrate, and mosquito

Mosquitoes

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District's (District) primary objective is to protect the people of Orange County from the dangers of vector-borne disease.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are very aggressive ants that are native to South America. They vigorously defend their nests, attack in large numbers and sting repeatedly.

Rats

The roof rat (Rattus rattus) is agile and slender, with a tail longer than its head and body. Roof rats frequently enter buildings and move about neighborhoods by using utility lines and fences as runways.

Flies

There are about 160,000 known species of flies. They are found everywhere in the world — even in Antarctica. Flies have only two wings and belong to the order of insects called Diptera, which means “two wings.”

Report An Issue

Although the District conducts regular surveillance and control measures throughout the County, there may be times residents need an extra helping hand around their property against the invasive Aedes mosquito.

May contain: electronics, pc, computer, laptop, human, person, hardware, computer hardware, computer keyboard, and keyboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Vector Reduction Manual

The Vector Reduction Guidelines contained in this manual are assembled from a number of sources including scientific literature, state and inter-agency documents, pesticide label and use requirements…

What is a Vector?

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