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Agricultural Division - Agricultural Commissioner

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: I am having a problem with mosquitoes, who deals with them? Where can I get mosquito fish?

ANSWER: Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (707) 285-2200 or (800) 231-3236

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QUESTION:
I found an injured bird, who deals with them?

ANSWER: Bird Rescue (707) 523-2473

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QUESTION
: I am interested in learning more about mushrooms/would like someone to identify mushrooms?

ANSWER: Mushroom Identification —

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QUESTION
: Where do I go if I have found a tick and want it tested for Lyme Disease?

ANSWER: Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory, 3313 Chanate Rd, Santa Rosa. Call the Tick Information Line (707) 565-4715 for general information on ticks.

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QUESTION
: I have bats in my home, what should I do?

ANSWER: For information on Bat Management around the home see the USGS page on bat management. There are also several bat conservation organizations. If you are still interested in exterminating them, call a professional pest control company. See your local yellow pages, or go to Online Yellow Pages

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QUESTION
: I have a swarm/nest of bees, who can help me?

ANSWER: The Sonoma County Beekeepers Association maintains a "Swarm List" of beekeepers who will remove unwanted hives from your property. If you have yellowjackets, please see the question and answer below.

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QUESTION
: Who deals with dead animals on road/my premises?

ANSWER:

  • County Roads/Rights of Way — Sonoma County Animal Care and Control — (707) 565-7100
  • State Highways: Caltrans — (510) 286-5226
  • Dogs or Cats within City Limits Of Santa Rosa and Windsor: Sonoma County Animal Care and Control — (707) 565-7100
  • All other Animals in Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa Public Works — (707) 543-3881
  • All other animals in Windsor: Windsor Street Maintenance Division — (707) 838-1009
  • All animals in Petaluma: Petaluma Police — (707) 778-4370
  • All other animals countywide except as noted above: Local Police or Sheriff
  • There are also private companies that will remove animals from your premises for a fee. Look under “Pest Control” in your local yellow pages, or go to Online Yellow Pages.

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QUESTION: Where do I go to have a bug/spider identified?

ANSWER: First check out the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management website. Bring in a sample of the insect for possible identification by the UC Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners.

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QUESTION
: I have a TRAP in my tree. Why is the trap there?

ANSWER: See our section on Pest Detection

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QUESTION
: What can I do about the mice/rats in my home/area?

ANSWER: The UC Davis Integrated Pest Management website has great tips for controlling rats and mice:

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District can answer calls regarding mice and rats. The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District can be reached at (707) 285-2200 or (800) 231-3236.

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QUESTION
: What to do about gopher/mole problem in my yard or garden?

ANSWER: Moles are insectivores, and do not feed on plants. Gophers do feed on plants. For more information, look at the UC IPM site on Gopher Control or contact the UC Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners.

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QUESTION
: I would like to have a plant identified? I would like to determine the cause of a plant problem?

ANSWER: Bring in a sample of the plant for possible identification by the UC Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners.

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QUESTION
: How do I find out what pesticide is being used nearby?

ANSWER: Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner's Office has a Records Request formPDF Icon for you to fill out and submit to our department. Records for much of the pesticides used are available at our office.

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QUESTION
: What/Where is Sudden Oak Death (SOD)?

ANSWER: For the most complete/current information go to suddenoakdeath.org, or look at our pest exclusion area.

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QUESTION
: What can I do to get rid of yellowjackets?

ANSWER: There are commercial products available at retail garden centers, or you can call the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District at (707) 285-2200 or (800) 231-3236. Additionally, there are a few individuals identified on the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association "Swarm List" who will remove yellowjacket nests from your property. Before calling someone on the "Swarm List," be certain that it lists they will remove yellowjacket nests because most don't.

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QUESTION
: I have a noise/smell complaint?

ANSWER: Most agricultural smells and noises are generally considered “normal” operating practices. The County of Sonoma has adopted a “Right to Farm” ordinance that states, “normal agricultural operations will not be considered a nuisance”. We recommend initiating a dialogue with the grower you are concerned with. Most growers are willing to explain their practices and make efforts to reduce the effects of their activities on their neighbors.

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