Mosquito Surge Follows Southern California Storms

Vector Control sees highest mosquito levels in 5 years as breeding grounds multiply

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The warm weather after recent storms in Southern California has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, with Vector Control inspectors reporting they've seen five times as many mosquitoes as the five-year average in Orange County neighborhoods. Experts warn the mosquito population could continue to grow exponentially as summer approaches if standing water sources are not eliminated.

Why it matters

Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus and pose a significant public health risk, especially as their numbers surge. The early and significant increase in mosquito breeding this year could lead to a severe mosquito season that impacts residents throughout the region.

The details

Vector Control inspectors have found an abundance of mosquito breeding grounds in Orange County, including plant saucers, buckets, and flower containers that have collected water from recent storms. They say it only takes a capful of standing water to breed up to 100 mosquitoes, and the new mosquitoes can mature within a week. Pest control experts are urging residents to regularly check their yards and dump any standing water to help control the mosquito population.

  • Recent storms in Southern California have created ideal mosquito breeding conditions.
  • Vector Control inspectors say they're seeing five times as many mosquitoes as the five-year average for this time of year.

The players

Brian Brannon

An inspector with the Orange County Vector Control.

Danny Bui

A Vector Control inspector.

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What they’re saying

“We are seeing five times as many mosquitoes at this time of year over the five-year average. There's a lot of mosquito breeding going on right now.”

— Brian Brannon, Vector Control inspector (cbsnews.com)

“A bottle cap of water can breed up to 100 mosquitoes.”

— Danny Bui, Vector Control inspector (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Pest control experts are urging residents to regularly check their yards and dump any standing water to help control the mosquito population before it grows even further.

The takeaway

The early and significant surge in mosquito breeding following recent storms in Southern California highlights the importance of residents being vigilant about eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds around their homes to prevent a severe mosquito season that could pose public health risks.