Programs & Services

Our programs and services help in increasing the knowledge related to the organisms that are vectors and also guides our citizens (Alameda County residents) to control such organisms. The organisms addressed in this section are Ants, Bats, Bed Bugs, Cockroaches, Flies, Mites, Rodents, Stinging Insects, Spiders, and Ticks. Information related to Wildlife, Environmental Health, and Solid Waste and Garbage is also provided to help the society in overcoming vector-borne diseases.

Vector Control serves County residents in several ways. This includes:

• Investigating complaints involving rodents, wildlife, and insect vectors
• Assessing environmental conditions that contribute to the presence of vectors and making corrective recommendations
• Providing insect, tick, spider, rodent and wildlife identifications
• Surveying for and assisting other Agencies in control measures for cockroaches in sewers, utility boxes, and storm drains
• Conducting yellowjacket and other stinging insect control
• Working with local Code Enforcement and Public Work Agencies by responding to solid waste and other issues that contribute to vector problems
• Performing weekly inspections of underground sewer manholes for signs of rodent activity and taking appropriate control measures
• Coordinating the County’s rabies surveillance program, acting as the liaison between the County Public Health Department, animal control agencies, and impacted members of the public
• Maintaining an active outreach program by giving group presentations to organizations county-wide and participating in County fairs, shows, and events
• Conducting routine surveillance for the presence of zoonotic and human pathogens that may be transmitted from specific organisms to humans