FAQs
Please check our FAQs for any questions you have.
What is a Vector?
Alameda County Vector Control Services District considers a “vector” any animal or insect that can cause human disease or otherwise harm or distress humans. This includes rodents such as rats and mice, cockroaches, biting/stinging insects, and larger urban wildlife. You can find pages on specific vectors and the services we provide on our Programs & Services page.
How much do the Vector Control services cost?
We are a public agency, and our services are always free! Our department is funded by a property parcel benefit assessment.
Does Vector Control provide pest control services such as monthly pesticide treatments, regular trap servicing, or repairs?
Vector Control is not a pest control company and does not provide traditional pest control services. You can see a detailed description of services we provide by vector species by navigating to the appropriate page on our website. If you have a vector issue that requires assistance, we encourage you to make a Request for Service.
I found a dead animal on my/public property. Will Vector Control remove the dead animal?
Vector Control does not provide dead animal removal services. Please contact your local Animal Control Agency. If the animal is on the highway, please contact CalTrans at (510) 286-4444 or online at https://csr.dot.ca.gov/.
I am a renter, and I have a vector issue. What services can Vector Control provide for me?
Renters can make a Request for Service and schedule an inspection with a Vector Control Biologist. The biologist will inspect the residence, document the extent of the problem, and determine what actions should be taken to address the situation by both the property owner/management and the tenant. The biologist then communicates these expectations to your property owner/management. Details of the inspection will be documented and can be retrieved via a public records request.
Vector Control is not an enforcement agency, so we are unable to compel any parties to perform actions or comply with recommendations. However, if the problem persists, we can direct the issue to the appropriate enforcement agency and provide them with our documentation.
Vector Control is not a legal service and is not equipped to provide legal advice. We can only document and report on issues pertaining to the presence of vectors. If you require assistance with legal issues (i.e. eviction, rent payments, etc.), please contact an appropriate attorney.
Can Vector Control set traps for wildlife such as skunks, raccoons, or opossums?
Vector Control is not a trapping service. As a part of the Environmental Health Department, we consider trapping as a last resort per a biologist’s discretion. A qualified Vector Control Biologist may need to inspect and reassess the problem over multiple visits to determine whether trapping is necessary.
I caught an animal in a cage trap. Can Vector Control remove it?
Vector Control does not service any privately owned/set traps. We only service traps placed by our department.
I am concerned about vectors on a neighboring property. What can Vector Control do?
Vector Control is not an enforcement agency and cannot compel parties to accept an inspection nor comply with recommendations. Vector Control Biologists can only inspect a property when invited by a property owner or resident/tenant. However, if you make a Request for Service, a biologist can inspect your property and assess the risks to you.
Does Vector Control perform beehive or swarm removal?
A Vector Control Biologist can perform an inspection to determine whether the insects are bees or wasps/yellow jackets. However, Vector Control is not equipped to perform beehive or swarm removals. Residents can contact the Alameda County Beekeepers Association for assistance with swarms and hives, but please be advised that they may charge a fee for hive relocation.
I am seeing nocturnal wildlife (i.e., skunks, raccoons, opossums) outside during the daytime. Should I be concerned?
If the animal appears to be healthy and not approaching humans, there is no reason for concern. These animals will sometimes forage in the daytime, especially when they are juveniles. If the animal appears ill, contact your local Animal Control Agency.
I found a tick on me! What do I do?
Vector Control can identify the species of tick if you keep the tick in a sealed container. However, we are unable to test the tick for diseases. If you are interested in disease testing, you should send the tick to a certified laboratory for testing. See the page “Instructions for submitting ticks for testing” on our website.
I am worried about rabies. Can I request a rabies test?
Please visit our rabies page for detailed information about what services we provide.
Can you recommend a pest control service for me?
As a government agency, Vector Control is not able to recommend private companies. We suggest making a Request for Service and scheduling an inspection with a Vector Control Biologist, who will make recommendations based on the situation. If professional pest control services are required, we advise calling multiple companies to compare quotes/services based on the inspection report provided by the biologist.
I suspect I am getting bitten by insects. Can Vector Control identify the insect based on the bite?
It is generally not possible to identify an insect based on the bite alone. However, you can make a Request for Service and a Vector Control Biologist can perform an inspection at your residence to see if insects can be located and identified. This may require multiple visits over a span of a few weeks.