New GM for Mosquito and Vector Management
Dr. Fausett brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the task of managing the District’s day to day operations. He has an extensive background in administration and staff management. Throughout his career he has been committed to serving the public. He worked as Operations and Maintenance Manager at the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District for more than 20 years, and has first-hand experience with natural and man-made conditions that provide potential habitats and breeding sites for vectors in the local area. Prior to 1989 he served as a biologist for the Flood Control District.
Dr. Fausett has lived in Santa Barbara since 1984. He holds Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Biology. His extensive education in biology and ecology, and knowledge of the natural history of vector species, gives him the ability to work successfully with the MVMD staff to thoroughly research and evaluate effective methods for management and control of vectors and thus minimize the risks vectors pose to public health. Dr. Fausett is also a licensed Pest Control Advisor in the State of California and stays abreast of recent developments in vector threats and environmentally sound methods of vector management through continuing education.
The Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County is an independent special district that uses environmentally-sound, integrated pest management techniques to control disease-carrying vectors, particularly mosquitoes, while minimizing impacts on beneficial species. A vector is any insect, rodent or other animal capable of transmitting pathogens, such as viruses, that cause human diseases. For example, mosquitoes can be a vector for West Nile Virus, and a main focus of District activities is control of mosquitoes. To protect the public, the District regularly monitors and treats areas that collect water to reduce the abundance of juvenile mosquitoes, and also regularly tests adult mosquitoes for West Nile Virus. The District also provides public education programs on the control of vectors and disease prevention, and distributes printed material such as brochures that describe what citizens can do to keep their homes and property free of mosquitoes, yellow jackets, rats, and other pests.
Additional information or requests for service can be obtained from the MVMD at www.mvmdistrict.org or (805) 969-5050. The MVMD accepts reports of standing water and possible mosquito breeding sources in Santa Barbara County and promptly investigates to determine if mosquito breeding is present.
