Protecting Santa Cruz County – Responsibly and Locally

Since 1993, the Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control Division has protected our communities from mosquito and vector-borne diseases. Now, we face growing threats — including invasive mosquitoes, climate-driven changes in pest activity, and rising operational costs. The Division is considering a modest assessment increase to help maintain and enhance critical services across the county.

About the District

The Division provides countywide vector control services, including surveillance, prevention, and environmentally responsible control of mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, and other public health vectors (pests that can cause harm or spread disease).

With year-round operations, we respond quickly to emerging threats and offer tools residents can use to reduce health risks in their own neighborhoods.

What This Special Assessment Would Provide

If approved, this benefit assessment would fund key programs that serve every part of Santa Cruz County:

  • Monitoring native and invasive mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.
  • Testing mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors for diseases of public health concern.
  • Inspections and advice to prevent and mitigate rodent infestations.
  • Tick identification and disease risk consultation.
  • Delivery of mosquito-eating fish for ponds and troughs.
  • Rapid response to service requests from the public related to mosquitoes, rodents, ticks, and other vectors.
  • Environmentally responsible mosquito control when needed to protect public health.
  • Engaging the community through education to promote vector safety and disease prevention.

Why This Is Needed Now

In 2022, the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito was detected in Watsonville — a serious concern for disease transmission. At the same time, our operating costs have continued to rise.

Our current assessments — $18.69 to $24.26 per year for single-family homes — have not been updated in over 20 years. We need to use reserves each year to carry out our mission. The Mosquito & Vector Control Division does not receive any other funding from the County.

  • An increase of about $1 a month for a single-family home would enhance public health by allowing services to continue and providing adequate funding for monitoring threats of invasive mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
  • These funds can ONLY be used for mosquito and vector control services within the County of Santa Cruz. By law, no other agency could use these funds for other purposes.

 What Does It Cost? How Was It Calculated?

  •  All property owners in Santa Cruz County will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed new benefit assessment. Ballots are to be mailed on September 2, 2025.
  • For most single-family homes, the increase is about $1 a month ($11.99 per year).
  • Other property types (multi-family, commercial, agricultural) are assessed based on land use, size, and proximity to vector habitats. Larger property owners may pay between $11-15 per month.

All assessments are calculated according to an Engineer’s Report that outlines costs, benefits, and funding allocations. This report is available for public review here:

2025 Engineer’s Report

or at:
Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control Division
640 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA

How Will the Funds Be Used?

All funds can only be used for mosquito and vector control services in our County.

We are committed to full transparency and public reporting. Revenues and expenditures will be reviewed annually and presented at a noticed public hearing before the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

Common Questions

Properties are assessed based on the benefit received, not a one-size-fits-all model. The details of the calculations (which factor in property type, size, and proximity to mosquito breeding areas) are outlined in the engineer’s report.

The additional cost of about $1 a month for a single-family home, while larger property owners may pay between $11-15 per month.

All property owners with an assessment district vote on changes to the assessment. Since this district covers the entire County, all property owners in Santa Cruz County are being asked to help decide how to fund services that protect public health and the environment in your neighborhood.

Only returned ballots will be counted. Your voice matters in determining the future of mosquito and vector protection in our county. Return ballots by the public hearing on November 4, 2025.

Late ballots will not be counted as part of the assessment. Only ballots that are returned will be considered when ballots are counted to determine the outcome of the vote. If you want your voice to be heard, return your ballot on time!

No. Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control practices Integrated Vector Management (IVM), leading with prevention, source reduction, and science-driven methods.

When necessary, our trained and certified Vector Control Specialists conduct highly targeted mosquito treatments which primarily consist of naturally derived and certified organic products (active ingredients such as Bti and Spinosad).

Wide-area adulticiding, often referred to as “spraying” or “fogging” is not currently part of our program.

This special assessment ensures we can continue to:

  • Minimize the spread of invasive mosquitoes and the diseases they carry
  • Respond quickly to public health threats
  • Use environmentally responsible tools to keep communities safe

Your vote keeps mosquito and vector control local, accountable, and effective.