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Mosquitoes may not always be visible, but they are active year round in Sonoma County. Local vector control officials say the public plays a major role in preventing the spread of mosquito borne viruses.

The Marin Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District was the first district of its kind in California, founded more than 100 years ago.

Public Information Officer Nizza Sequeira said the district’s mission is to protect public health from mosquitoes and vector borne disease.

That includes West Nile virus, which she said is endemic in both Marin and Sonoma counties.

To do that work, the district monitors more than 25,000 known mosquito breeding sources, including backyard containers and ponds, marshlands, ditches and catch basins. Sequeira said technicians check those sites throughout the year because there are still mosquitoes that are active during the winter.

Sequeira, who has worked in the field for more than 30 years, said warming temperatures are affecting mosquito activity.

“The temperatures are definitely warming, and the level of temperatures can facilitate the spread of mosquitoes,” Sequeira said.

One of the district’s biggest concerns, she said, is invasive Aedes mosquitoes, which are not native to the area.

But Sequeira said the district’s biggest challenge is public awareness.

“We do not know what is in people’s backyards, and it is really important that the public knows that it is also their responsibility to help control mosquitoes,” Sequeira said.

That includes removing standing water or adding mosquito fish to ponds, a method the district uses as part of its integrated vector management program.

The district is also seeking more community involvement at the policy level. Sebastopol currently has a vacancy on the district’s board of trustees. According to the city’s appointment materials, trustees attend monthly meetings, help establish district policies and promote communication between the district and the public.

Sequeira said having local residents on the board matters.“It allows members of the public to be a part of the process and to educate their cities and towns about our district and the importance of mosquito control,” she said.

Applications for the Sebastopol board seat are available through the city clerk’s office. More information is at msmosquito.org.