The District is currently assisting the California Coastal Conservancy on the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project. This project seeks to eradicate an invasive species of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) that threatens native habitats throughout the San Francisco Bay. The US Fish and Wildlife, California Dept of Fish and Game, Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board…

Ants are common household pests. They don’t carry disease, but can be annoying.

The District does NOT provide pest control services for bedbugs. However, we can help you identify bedbug infestations and provide advice on choosing a pest control operator.

Cockroaches are common household pests that may spread bacteria, contaminate food and surfaces, damage property, and cause allergic reactions.

Most people have had an encounter with a flea at some point – the jumping black specks, the small itchy bumps they leave in their wake, and the general feeling of unease due to having a parasite in your home. However, few people understand the biology of fleas and why they invade our homes in the first place.

There are many species of flies, but only a few are common household pests, including house flies, stable flies, and blow flies. Stable flies bite, but are not a major disease vector. Other fly species do not bite, but may contaminate food or food preparation surfaces.

The District laboratory works with local public schools to provide training and guidance on preventing, identifying, and managing head lice in schools.

Mites are probably one of the most common insects on the earth and the vast majority of them have not been described yet. While the majority of them are harmless to humans and even helpful to us, there are several that are found in San Mateo County that can be a right nuisance. Most of these species are unable to invade your home without their host (usually rats or wild birds) but once there, they…

A SEASONAL BITING FLY IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

In 2019, a new invasive insect dubbed the “Murder Hornet” was spotted in the United States. They are more commonly known as Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia), and are the largest species of hornet in the world. The queens can be almost 5 cm long (nearly 2 inches) and they nest almost exclusively underground. This species is native to temperate and tropical east Asia and far east Russia where…

While awe’re mostly concerned with insects, there are many plants that can be harmful as well. Below are seven common species of plants in San Mateo County that we believe are better off left alone.