The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) is an independent Special District that provides services rooted in science and public health, including mosquito monitoring, environmentally conscious control measures, and public education. Our program focuses on monitoring mosquito populations using Integrated Vector Management strategies to reduce mosquitoes and educating the public on prevention.

If you are an Alameda County resident and would like to request services addressing mosquito biting activity, mosquitofish, insect identification or inspection of standing water, please visit our Service Request form. 

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) offers residential property inspections, larvicide treatment/mosquitofish (when applicable), and public education/outreach to Alameda County residents. Our services are provided at no charge to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus (WNV). You can request service directly on our Service Request form.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District monitors several mosquito species and the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile virus (WNV). We monitor native/local and invasive mosquito species (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti) within the County. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been found in Alameda County since 2024 and the District is expanding our mosquito monitoring, control and public outreach efforts to limit the spread of this mosquito species.

Our mosquito surveillance program and residential mosquito control treatment efforts, part of an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach, focus on detecting and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission, such as West Nile virus.

To prevent mosquitoes, regularly check your property for standing water. Dump or drain water from sources like flowerpot saucers, bird baths, clogged gutters, tarps, drains, and containers. Keep pools and water features maintained and ensure window screens are intact.

By reducing standing water around your home, you can eliminate potential mosquito sources and help reduce mosquito populations. Use our backyard checklist for easy tips to prevent mosquitoes at home.

There are several effective backyard mosquito control methods, including eliminating standing water and using larvicides for standing water sources that cannot be drained. The first approach should be source reduction at least once a week, including emptying stagnant water in bird baths, pot saucers, and buckets, cleaning gutters, and removing yard litter, tarps, or water toys. Most mosquito species complete their life cycle within a week so this is a crucial step. We also recommend that residents check containers holding plant clippings or used for plant propagation, especially those that are moved between indoors and outdoors.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District offers services to Alameda County residents at no cost. These services include residential property consultations, larvicide treatment/mosquitofish (when applicable), and public education presentations to community groups. Use our backyard checklist for tips on how to get started!

Effective mosquito management starts with careful observation and data collection by our trained District staff. ACMAD's mosquito surveillance and monitoring program, part of an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach, monitors mosquito populations through traps and inspections and identifies breeding areas and seasonal trends across our neighborhoods in Alameda County. We analyze the collected mosquito samples to identify species and assess the risk of disease transmission. Our surveillance efforts inform us where mosquito activity is increasing, which species are present in the area, and help guide mosquito control treatments to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission in Alameda County.

Monitoring mosquito populations allows experts to respond quickly and apply appropriate control strategies to reduce the mosquito population that can transmit diseases. Our mosquito control program uses this surveillance data to guide targeted actions that reduce mosquito populations efficiently and responsibly.

Yes, mosquito control treatments provided by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District are safe for people, pets, and wildlife. The District implements an environmentally conscious and evidence-based Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach where mosquito treatment prioritizes human safety, environmental responsibility, and community health. We also prioritize the use of environmentally responsible methods, including biological treatments, such as mosquitofish, and source reduction, where we promote the practice of removing standing water around homes.

When appropriate, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District also conducts targeted larvicide and/or adulticide mosquito control treatments. All pesticides used are registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applications are conducted by state-certified (California Department of Public Health) technicians who follow California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and Alameda County Department of Agriculture guidelines.

All pesticides used by the District are listed alongside their corresponding label and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) here.

If you notice a significant increase in mosquito activity, contact the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District immediately. We will send a trained technician to inspect the area, identify standing water sources with mosquito breeding activity (remember, mosquitoes need standing water to complete their life cycle), and implement appropriate control measures to reduce the mosquito population.

Our services are provided at no cost for all Alameda County residents. You can request service online or call the District at (510) 783-7744.

Our team continuously monitors mosquito populations throughout the year, especially during peak mosquito breeding seasons in the warmer months – April through October. Mosquito surveillance and monitoring is conducted regularly to ensure we can respond quickly to potential issues. This ongoing monitoring is essential for early detection and disease prevention in Alameda County.

To request free mosquito services, simply contact the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District by calling us at (510) 783-7744 or submitting a service request form online.

Our team will follow up by sending trained technician to inspect the area, identify standing water sources with mosquito breeding activity (remember, mosquitoes need standing water to complete their life cycle), breeding sources, and implement appropriate control measures to reduce the mosquito population at no cost to you as an Alameda County resident.

Successful mosquito management requires a balanced approach that focuses on prevention, monitoring, and treatment. The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District relies on Integrated Vector Management (IVM), a strategy that combines environmentally responsible methods with science-based decision making. This approach prioritizes prevention first, while using treatment solutions when necessary. Targeted mosquito control treatment may include larval control, source reduction, and other safe techniques designed to reduce mosquito breeding while prioritizing minimal environmental impact. Through community awareness, mosquito monitoring and surveillance programs, and responsible vector management practices, residents can enjoy outdoor spaces and healthier communities.

Residents seeking reliable mosquito management support can rely on the expertise and community-focused programs provided by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. Our goal is to improve the health and comfort of County residents by reducing mosquitoes and limiting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases throughout Alameda County, California.

Mosquito lookalikes—such as midges, crane flies, and gnats—are often mistaken for biting mosquitoes but are typically harmless. True mosquitoes have a slender body, long legs, narrow wings, and a distinct proboscis used for biting; they are also smaller than a thumb nail. Lookalikes usually lack this piercing mouthpart and do not bite humans. If you are unsure, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District can help identify insects at no cost to Alameda County residents.

If the insect is smaller than your thumb nail, it might be a mosquito! Submit a Service Request for an insect identification and District staff will provide follow-up. Please place the insect sample in a Ziplock bag to preserve the sample.

If you believe you might have found Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus in Alameda County, take a clear picture of the sample and submit this form. 

Yes, report it to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) West Nile virus (WNV) Call Center by filling out the online form or calling 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

Dead birds, especially crows, ravens, and jays, are very susceptible to WNV and die quickly after infection (infected mosquito bite and/or eat infected mosquitoes). Overall, these birds can be early indicators that WNV is present in the environment. All dead bird reports, regardless of results, help the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District track WNV activity in the County. 

Once the dead bird is reported to the CDPH WNV Call Center, if possible, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to pick it up and place it near the front door or in the front yard. After collecting the bird, the District tests it for West Nile virus if it meets criteria. If the District finds West Nile virus in a dead bird, we follow up by notifying the resident, updating the District’s WNV Activity webpage, checking the area, setting up mosquito monitoring traps, and applying treatment to standing water sources.   

Note: The online form is available year-round, but the CDPH WNV Call Center is only available for calls from April to October. 

Unmaintained swimming pools is a common mosquito source in Alameda County and can produce a species of a local mosquito that can transmit West Nile virus (WNV). The District encourages neighbors to contact the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District to submit a service request (can be anonymous) by: 

1. Submitting a Service Request online and selecting “Report Standing Water” on the form with any additional details that describe the swimming pool’s condition and location. 

OR

          2. Calling the District at (510) 783-7744 and providing any additional details that describe the swimming pool’s condition and location. 

Once the Service Request is received, a District technician will follow up and check the swimming pool for any past treatment history and treat the swimming pool if necessary. All of the District’s services are at no cost to Alameda County residents and work with the residents to share mosquito prevention tips and guidance. By contacting the District about an unmaintained pool, you are helping your family and neighborhood be mosquito-free.  

Mosquitoes need to swim before they fly. They pass through four stages in their life cycle— egg, larva, pupa, and adult — all requiring water except the adult. Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in as little as 5-7 days in warm and sunny conditions.  

Since mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in a short time frame, it is important to dump and remove standing water sources on a weekly basis. We recommend checking for any standing water in and around your home using our checklist to get started. Biological and chemical control options that are environmentally friendly and effective are also available free of cost to Alameda County residents. By working together, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District and Alameda County communities can reduce mosquitoes in the County while protecting and maintaining the environment, wildlife, and pollinators. 

Citronella candles, mosquito-repellent plants (such as lavender, citronella grass, basil, and rosemary), mosquito-repellent bracelets, and many products containing essential oils are not recommended as primary methods of mosquito bite prevention.

While some essential oils may provide limited mosquito repellency, they break down quickly and require frequent reapplication to remain effective. Mosquito-repellent plants may provide only a small, temporary effect immediately around the plant and do not protect larger outdoor areas.

Citronella candles are also limited in effectiveness because wind disperses the repellent, reducing the amount of protection they provide.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District recommends the following steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing one of these active ingredients:
  • DEET (not DDT, the insecticide that was banned in the United States in the 1970s)
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil)
• Follow the product label instructions. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitoes are active, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water around your home every week. Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap amount of standing water to complete their life cycle.

Mosquito-repellent wristbands are not recommended because they do not provide full-body protection. They only protect the small area immediately around the wrist, leaving the rest of the body exposed to mosquito bites.

Many wristbands rely on essential oils, which are generally less effective than EPA-registered insect repellents.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District recommends the following steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing one of these active ingredients:
  • DEET (not DDT, the insecticide that was banned in the United States in the 1970s)
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil)
• Follow the product label instructions. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitoes are active, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water around your home every week. Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap amount of standing water to complete their life cycle.

No. Bug zappers are not an effective way to control mosquitoes.

Most bug zappers kill a wide variety of flying insects, including beneficial nighttime pollinators such as moths, while killing very few mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are primarily attracted to people by the carbon dioxide (CO₂) we exhale, our body heat, and skin odors—not by the ultraviolet light used in bug zappers.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District recommends the following steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing one of these active ingredients:
  • DEET (not DDT, the insecticide that was banned in the United States in the 1970s)
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil)
• Follow the product label instructions. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitoes are active, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water around your home every week. Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap amount of standing water to complete their life cycle.

Mosquito dunk buckets (sometimes called "Buckets of Doom") contain water, organic matter (such as leaves and twigs), and a Mosquito Dunk® or Mosquito Bits® containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae.

These buckers are not recommended and are not a substitute for eliminating standing water i nand around your home. Female mosquitoes have many options for laying eggs, including bird baths, buckets, flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, toys, and other containers that collect water. When these competing water sources are present, mosquitoes may never lay eggs in the dunk bucket. Additionally, if a bucket is not properly maintained, it can become a mosquito source and allow mosquitoes to complete their life cycle in 7-10 days.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District recommends the following steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing one of these active ingredients:
  • DEET (not DDT, the insecticide that was banned in the United States in the 1970s)
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil)
• Follow the product label instructions. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitoes are active, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water around your home every week. Mosquitoes need only a bottle cap amount of standing water to complete their life cycle.

If West Nile virus is detected in the community, the District's initial response will be to intensify its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites and increase its levels of larviciding in those areas in which West Nile virus has been found.

Reducing the adult mosquito population with pesticides (adulticides) registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be done if necessary to prevent human illness or to suppress a heavy nuisance infestation of mosquitoes. The decision to treat adult mosquitoes will be based on mosquito monitoring data and/or the documentation of West Nile virus activity at a level that indicates a threat to human health.

Adult mosquito control treatments will be concentrated in areas most at risk for disease occurrence and will be conducted by certified and licensed District staff. 

All pesticides used by the District are listed alongside their corresponding label and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) here.

Treatment notifications are posted on this page as soon as they are confirmed. The District will aim to provide notification of treatments as early as operationally possible. Scheduled treatments may be canceled and/or rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.

Control of mosquitoes in their larval stages is the backbone of most mosquito control programs in California. Larvicides are larval mosquito control products used to reduce immature mosquito populations when they are still in the water. Larvicides, which can be biological or chemical, are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs and larvae. Larvicides can help to reduce the overall mosquito population by limiting the number of new mosquitoes produced.

Adulticides are adult mosquito control products that rapidly reduce adult mosquito populations. This can become necessary when larval control measures are insufficient or not feasible. Adult mosquito control may be initiated when there is evidence of significant West Nile virus transmission in a region. The most common method of adulticiding is ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying. ULV spraying is the process of putting very small amounts of liquid into the air as a fine mist of droplets. These droplets float on the air currents and quickly eliminate mosquitoes that come into contact with them. ULV adulticides are applied when mosquitoes are most active-typically early evening or pre-dawn. They can be applied from hand-held sprayers, truck-mounted sprayers, or airplanes. Adulticides immediately reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in an area, with the goal of reducing the number of mosquitoes that can bite people and possibly transmit West Nile virus.

When necessary, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District may use ground and aerial application of pesticides to kill mosquitoes that pose a health risk to the residents of Alameda County. In the case of adult mosquito control, or reducing adult mosquitoes, we would use botanical insecticides (plant derived compounds) or synthetic versions that include pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids, as well as piperonyl butoxide. All of the products we use are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and applied according to label directions by our trained and certified District technicians.

All pesticides used by the District are listed alongside their corresponding label and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) here.

Treatment notifications are posted on this page as soon as they are confirmed. The District will aim to provide notification of treatments as early as operationally possible. Scheduled treatments may be canceled and/or rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.

The risks to the public and to the environment are very low. Mosquito adulticides are applied as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. ULV applications involve small quantities of active ingredient in relation to the size of the area treated, typically less than 2 ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.

Adult mosquito control treatments, or adulticide treatments, are reserved for abnormal mosquito population increases and virus activity which are indicated by mosquito surveillance data collected by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. When data indicates that adult mosquito populations have reached levels that threaten public health, the District may deploy adult mosquito control treatments to rapidly reduce adult populations. Similar to larvicide treatments, the applications follow strict federal, state, and local guidelines.

The spraying will take place in areas of concern, as determined by our mosquito and disease surveillance programs. Our trained and certified technicians use a variety of surveillance techniques and treatment criteria to ensure effective mosquito control with the least amount of risk to our residents and our environment. 

Residential mosquito control treatments are posted here as soon as they are confirmed.

The District will aim to provide notification of treatments as early as operationally possible. Scheduled treatments may be canceled and/or rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the District's adult mosquito control treatment notifications here. 

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, has been found in Alameda County since 2024. This mosquito is the only species in the County capable of transmitting dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Native mosquito species in Alameda County do not transmit these diseases. Currently, there is no evidence of local transmission. However, travel-related cases do occur, and the District responds by conducting:

• Mosquito monitoring surveillance and trapping,
• Mosquito control, and/or
• Door-to-door inspections where certified District technicians inspect and check yards for standing water sources.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are often called “ankle biters” because they tend to bite people around the feet and lower legs. The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District encourages residents to remove standing water around their homes and yards using our checklist. Residents should also contact the District if they notice unusual, aggressive daytime mosquito biting—especially around the ankles and legs—to schedule a consultation and receive guidance on controlling mosquitoes around their home.

If you believe that you have found Aedes aegypti in Alameda County, take a clear picture of the mosquito and submit this form. District staff will contact you to share findings and, if needed, discuss next steps.

At the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, we recommend looking for key visual traits to identify Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito. This species is small and has a distinct black-and-white pattern. You’ll often notice:

• White stripes on the legs
• A lyre-shaped silver marking on the upper back (thorax)
• A tendency to bite aggressively during the daytime

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes typically fly low to the ground, often targeting ankles and lower legs. If you think you’ve seen one or are experiencing daytime biting around your home, contact ACMAD for assistance.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are challenging to control because they thrive in very small amounts of water and prefer to live near people. We need the public’s help to reduce mosquito sources. You can help by:

• Removing standing water weekly from containers like plant saucers, buckets, outdoor toys, and clogged gutters
• Covering or tightly sealing water-holding containers such as rain barrels
• Scrubbing containers to remove mosquito eggs that stick to surfaces
• Reporting unusual daytime biting to ACMAD so our team can investigate
• Using EPA-registered repellents when outdoors, especially during daylight hours

For larger concerns—like ongoing biting or suspected infestations— the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District provides free inspections and support.

Since 2024, the District has found numerous adults and larval Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and Fremont.  If Aedes aegypti becomes established in Alameda County, it could threaten public health and quality of life, as these mosquitoes are highly aggressive and active during daylight hours. 

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District staff responds to Aedes aegypti detections by:

• Deploying additional mosquito monitoring traps in the area
• Inspecting for and eliminating or treating standing water sources, especially checking for hidden sources, such as tires, pot saucers, lawn drains and in yard litter
• Expanding community outreach and public education efforts
• Implementing targeted mosquito control treatments as needed

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes prefer warm environments and human-made habitats. Unlike native mosquitoes, which often rely on natural wetlands, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrive in:

• Small, artificial containers
• Shaded outdoor areas near homes
• Backyards, patios, and entryways
• Indoor spaces where they can rest during hot weather

Their eggs can survive for months on dry surfaces, making regular cleaning and water removal especially important for Alameda County residents and homeowners.

Aedes aegypti is an invasive mosquito that has spread throughout many parts of California. It is currently established in several counties across the state and continues to expand its range. Within urban and suburban areas, it tends to live close to homes and people, where small and hidden water sources are common.

When Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are detected in Alameda County, ACMAD monitors the area closely and works with the community to prevent its spread.

Aedes aegypti  has a fast and resilient life cycle, allowing it to multiply quickly when conditions are warm. Females typically lay their eggs on the inner walls of containers just above the waterline. These eggs are hardy and can survive dry conditions for 6 or more months, making accidental spread easy if containers are moved to different locations.

Once water rises and submerges the eggs—after rain, irrigation, or filling a container—the larvae hatch and begin developing. Larvae and pupae live in the same small water sources and can complete their development into adults in as little as 7 to 10 days. This quick turnaround means even a small container can produce several generations (a single female Aedes aegypti mosquito can lay from 50-300 eggs in her lifetime!) in a single season.

Aedes aegypti is uniquely adapted to human environments and prefers urban and suburban neighborhoods. Unlike most of our native mosquitoes in Alameda County,  Aedes aegypti  use a wide range of standing water sources, such as small, man-made containers found inside and around homes and yards. Common breeding grounds include plant saucers, buckets, toys, yard litter, pet dishes, watering cans, tarps and even bottle caps. These sources are also referred to "cryptic" sources, meaning they tend to be hidden and often overlooked. The species also takes advantage of shaded, protected areas such as patios, garages, and cluttered outdoor spaces where water may collect.

If you believe you might have found Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus in Alameda County, take a clear picture of the sample and submit this form. 

 Please place the mosquito in a Ziplock bag to preserve the sample. District staff will contact you to share findings and, if needed, discuss next steps.

Wolbachia (wohl-bach-ee-uh) is a bacterium that is naturally found in about 60% of insects, such as butterflies, bees, and dragonflies.  It does not spread from mosquitoes to people, pets, or the environment.

District staff will release the WB1 male mosquitoes by hand from individual release containers placed at designated locations throughout the neighborhood. Each container holds only male mosquitoes.

In 2026, WB1 male mosquitoes will be released twice a week for 16 weeks, from July through October.

The Wolbachia method is one of the many tools used in the District's Integrated Vector Management (IVM) program—a comprehensive, science-based, and environmentally responsible approach to mosquito control.

Because the Wolbachia method specifically targets Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, it complements other mosquito control efforts, including mosquito surveillance, community outreach and education, yard consultations, and source reduction. Using multiple strategies together helps reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito control is a shared community effort. We encourage everyone to check in and around their home at least once a week for standing water and eliminate any sources where mosquitoes can breed. Use our backyard checklist to get started and find mosquito sources. 

Remember, mosquitoes need only a bottle cap of standing water to complete their life cycle.

We also encourage residents to use an EPA-registered repellent to help prevent mosquito bites. Remember, only female mosquitoes bite!

No. Wolbachia cannot be spread to people, pets, pollinators, or the environment. 

In this method, Wolbachia is transferred only from a released male mosquito to a female Aedes aegypti mosquito during mating. Male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit diseases.

You may notice more mosquitoes because additional male mosquitoes are being released in the area. However, male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit diseases because they do not have the mouthparts needed to bite.

No. In 2026, the District's innovative mosquito reduction program is being implemented only in selected areas of Livermore. Future expansion will depend on the program's success and continued detections of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

No. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are an invasive species in California and are not an essential part of the state's natural ecosystems. Reducing their population is not expected to harm native birds, bats, or other insect-eating wildlife, as these animals feed on many different insects rather than relying on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as a primary food source. Additionally, insect-eating animals often rely on larger and nutrient dense insects, such as moths, beetles and other abundant native species over mosquitoes. 

No, it is not possible for residents to opt out.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement is taxpayer supported and its innovative mosquito reduction program of releasing WB1 males is part of the District’s regular mosquito control activities and budget.  

Please contact our District’s office at 510-783-7744 or acmad@mosquitoes.org.

Residents can sign up on the District website (select "Innovative Mosquito Reduction Updates") to be notified of any new updates and news.