TIME TO SAY FAREWELL
District operations manager retires; provides a fascinating look back at the District's evolution over 31 years
| Carlos Sanabria Operations Manager |
Dynasty was the most popular American television program, the rotary dial telephone was still in the majority of American homes, and the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer was the most widely covered news story of the year in 1981. That was also the year new college graduate Carlos Sanabria began what would be a 31-year career at the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District. This month, Sanabria says goodbye to the District and his job as Operations Manager. But with so many years of experience under his belt, we can't let Carlos leave without one last look back at his many accomplishments and the many ways he has witnessed the District change over the years.
Click here to continue the article and learn of Carlos' journey over the past 31 years, as well as the evolution of the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.
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THE CSI OF RAT & MOUSE CONTROL
The detective work of a Vector Control Inspector
"An intruder has been here," screams the resident upon arriving home. And sure enough there's sign of forced entry and a trail of evidence. Who was here? How did he get here? Where is she now? All questions for a detective-of sorts, but not the kind that comes from a police department. In this case the intruder is a rat or mouse and the detective is a vector control inspector from the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.
"When we get a call from a member of the public, we approach each case like a member of a Crime Scene Investigation team because we are looking for evidence and signs that will lead us to a suspect," says District Program Supervisor Jonathan Rehana.
"But rather than looking for someone who's committed a crime, of course we're looking for the rat or mouse that has trespassed on a home or property and stolen food or caused property damage. We are actually more like Rodent Scene Investigators."
EVIDENCE
The key to a vector control investigation focuses on five things (click here for further information on these items):
Like any good detective, a vector control inspector starts an investigation by looking and listening. He looks for evidence. She listens to what the resident describes (video). Are there signs of gnawing on walls, cabinets, around pipes and electrical lines? Are there signs of rodent pathways? Usually when a rat or mouse has traveled in a particular area repeatedly, the naturally occurring oil in its fur combined with dust will leave rub marks on the pathway.
Then, there is the clear sign of a rat or mouse -- the dreaded rodent droppings.
"Droppings are important evidence because they represent how long the rat or mouse has been present and how many rodents may be present," says Rehana.
Click here to continue reading this article.
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