Winter rains may increase mosquitoes, garden pests

SAN DIEGO — Unwanted guests in a garden could be more than a minor annoyance; these pests can spread disease and damage plants.

“As we head into spring, we’ll see more pests emerging from their winter habitats to feed on the increased plant growth caused by the rain. We could also see more mosquitoes breeding in standing water around the yard,” said county entomologist David Kellum.

Common backyard pests in this region include snails, Argentine ants, honeybees, aphids and caterpillars.

Residents are encouraged to submit unfamiliar insects to the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. For more information, call (858) 694-8988.

Residents are also urged to get rid of standing water around the yard, where mosquitoes can breed, and to report potential mosquito-breeding sites to the County Department of Environmental Health.

Mosquitoes can spread disease, including West Nile virus. A record number of human West Nile virus cases was reported in the county last year.

Learn more about pests by watching the slideshow at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov and find out more about West Nile at http://www.sdfightthebite.com.