Vector Control

A Vector is an organism (such as an insect or other arthropod) which;

• Transports and transmits a parasite (including disease-causing pathogens) from one host to another,
• Causes direct harm or injury without transmitting a parasite, or
• Causes significant annoyance to humans and/or animals.

A food facility shall at all times be so constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated as to prevent, the entrance and harborage of animals, birds, and vermin, including, but not limited to, rodents and insects.

Vector Types

Mosquitoes

Questions and concerns with Mosquitoes or California West Nile Virus (CWNV)? Do You need Mosquito Fish? (Gambusia affinis) Contact the Placer Mosquito Abatement District at (916) 380-5444

Ticks

Questions and concerns with Lyme Disease? The Placer County Public Health Laboratory does testing on some vectors. To test a tick, please contact the Placer County Laboratory at (530) 889-7205.  Also, there is a California Department of Public Health Bulletin available regarding Public Health and Tick-Borne diseases.

Dead Birds

Dead birds may possibly indicate a situation such as West Nile Virus. Have you found a dead bird? DO NOT touch it with your bare hands. Please refer to The State of California West Nile Virus site, or to report it by phone at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).

Dead Chickens

Found a Dead Chicken or have questions about Avian Flu? Please contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) at (800) 491-1899 (dial 0 when recording starts). CDFA may pick up the chicken for testing.

Rodents

Rodents are dangerous. They can ruin food, destroy things in the home or a facility, and carry fleas that have disease. If you have any questions regarding rodents, just give us a call at (530) 745-2300 or refer to our informational handout about controlling rodents.

Rodents can also be the source of Plague or Hanta Virus.
California Department of Public health - Plague Education Materials and Resources
Facts about Plague (246KB .pdf)
Facts about Hanta Virus in California (1MB .pdf)

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can become pests anywhere. They may live in any structure in where food preparation or food storage occurs. These places range from homes, restaurants, hotels, warehouses, and even hospitals. Cockroaches contaminate food, food utensils, and food preparation areas.

The University of California Davis (UCD), has some great information on cockroach identification, associated problems, life cycle, and management of cockroaches.

Bats, Squirrels, Other Animals

Placer County has many rural communities in which animals live within close proximity to their human neighbors. If you have any questions or concerns regarding bats, squirrels, or other animals, please contact Placer County Animal Services at (530) 886-5500.

Pigeons

A good website from the State of Washington. A site that has facts about pigeons, public health concerns, and additional internet resources.

NOTE: This office does not authorize the use of pesticides and/or chemicals whether commercial, retail, and/or private. Please contact a licensed pest control operator, your local Agricultural Department, or California Environmental Protection Agency - Pesticide Regulation for information on general or restricted use pesticides and/or chemicals and their specific applications.