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Working Together for a Rat-Free Neighborhood
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Got rats? Chances are, you're not the only one! Rats rarely confine themselves to a single property, and the work of just one property owner isn't usually enough to stop them. Instead, it takes neighbors working together to reduce or eliminate the local rat population and ensure that rats don't simply move on to the next property in search of food and shelter. Removing rodents' sources of food and shelter can take some work, but is always an important part of stopping a rodent infestation.
If you need help getting your neighbors organized to fight back against a rodent infestation, we can help. The District provides rodent inspections and advice to both renters and property owners, and we're happy to schedule a rodent prevention training for your homeowners association or other neighborhood group. If you prefer to work on your own, we can provide printed materials on rodent prevention and trapping, and we're always available to answer questions or give advice.
To request a rodent inspection, visit www.smcmvcd.org/help. To request a training, call at (650) 344-8592 or email us at info@smcmvcd.org.
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You've probably heard the story about the country mouse and his city cousin, but did you know that rats have country cousins, too? Woodrats don't deserve the reputation earned by their house-infesting, garbage-eating urban relatives. These shy rural rodents prefer to live in harmony with nature, and rarely cause any trouble for humans.
You can distinguish our native woodrats from roof rats and Norway rats (both non-native species in San Mateo County) by their chubby appearance, large ears, and furry tails. People rarely see woodrats, but you've probably seen their nests in our county's rural parks and open spaces. Woodrats build large, elaborate nests out of twigs and leaves. These nests are passed down from generation to generation, and have different 'rooms' for sleeping, storage, and other activities.
Since they have their own homes, woodrats rarely infest ours. However, they have been known to carry away small objects left outdoors, earning them the nickname 'pack rats' or 'trade rats'.
Learn more about the rodent species found in San Mateo County.
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No Board Meeting Scheduled in August
The Board of Trustees does not hold a meeting in August. The next scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is on September 11th, 2019 at 6pm.
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Holiday Office Hours
The District office will be closed on Sept. 2nd in observance of Labor Day. View the District calendar.
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West Nile Virus Update
As of August 1st, 2019, there have been 155 dead birds reported in San Mateo County. Of those, 31 have been suitable for testing and all 31 have tested negative for West Nile virus (WNV). No mosquito pools or sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus in San Mateo County in 2019. Read more.
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Mosquito Population Update
This July, 43 mosquito larval samples were submitted to the laboratory. The most frequently occurring species in larval samples was Culiseta incidens, the cool weather mosquito. Culex pipiens, the northern house mosquito and Culiseta inornata, the winter marsh mosquito were also collected frequently this past month. Culex erythrothorax, the tule mosquito, was the most abundant adult mosquito species collected this month and was collected in above average numbers. Read more.
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Our Work by the Numbers
The District staff was busy in July! Last month, technicians responded to more than 600 resident service requests, including 64 complaints of mosquitoes, 39 reports of standing water, 443 yellowjacket and wasp nests, and 23 rodent inspections.
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Rats Can Ruin Your Vacation, Too
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Traveling to Hawaii this summer for a much needed vacation? Be aware of rat lungworm! This brain parasite is on the rise with six official cases confirmed so far this year.
Rat lungworm is a parasite that relies on rats and snails to complete its life cycle. In fact, it receives the name rat lungworm because of its infection of the pulmonary arteries in rodents. Humans are dead-end, accidental hosts. Infection can occur by eating raw, under-cooked snails, or from contaminated produce. Once an infected worm is ingested, the juvenile worms migrate to the human brain and develop into the adult form. Unable to complete the life cycle, worms die and incite an inflammatory reaction that results in rare form of meningitis. With no diagnostic test available, early detection of this serious condition is key. Initial symptoms include a stiffness of the neck, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and weakness. In many situations the disease often resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks, but without treatment, it can be fatal.
While rat lungworm is a relatively rare infection, the parasite is well documented in the United States. It has been in Hawaii for decades but there have been a spike of documented cases within the last two years. Fortunately, the parasite is relatively new to the mainland and no cases have been documented in California. To protect yourself on your tropical vacations this summer, be sure to inspect and wash all produce thoroughly with clean tap water. More information on rat lungworm.
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