Current:

12-01-2011

INVASIVE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO FOUND IN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Read the latest press release and help us protect your community!

Download the Infestation Alert Flyer in English, Spanish, or Chinese and share with your neighbors and family!

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was identified September 2, 2011 in the City of El Monte.  This aggressive day-biting mosquito is very small (approx. 1/4 inch) with distinctive black and white banding.  If you think you have seen this mosquito or have received mosquito bites during daylight hours, please REPORT them and help us eliminate this threat.  

The Asian tiger mosquito survives well in association with humans and lays eggs in smaller water-filled containers around the property. 

• Dump out standing water and store containers upside down
• Dispose of or remove any unused containers
• Dispose of tires stored outdoors or move them to a sheltered area
• Drill drain holes in the bottom of tire swings or other play equipment that may collect rainwater

Expanded Search Continues

The District is working with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District to inspect other areas to determine the extent of the infestation.  The interactive map below shows streets highlighted in BLUE where the Asian tiger mosquito has been identified to date. 

 
View Asian Tiger Mosquitoes in the San Gabriel Valley in a larger map

As of November 8, 2011, the Asian tiger mosquito has been found in the cities of El Monte and South El Monte and in a County area near the border of Duarte and Irwindale.  

Managing this species will require ongoing, aggressive actions to eliminate standing water on both public and private property.  This mosquito lays its eggs above the waterline in small containers (such as saucers under potted plants) which are holding or have recently held water.  Empty all containers and place them in the sun for 24-48 hours before storing inverted to kill any eggs present and help break the mosquitoes lifecycle. 

We need the public's help! Please check your yard carefully for anything that may collect and hold rainwater - search under bushes for cans, bottles, toys, or other objects and dispose of, or store these indoors or in a covered area. 

Even though it is winter, we are still seeing mosquito activity.  The work we do NOW will reduce the number of mosquitoes surviving and reproducing next spring!

For More Information:

National Pesticide Information Center: Pesticides used in mosquito control

University of California, Riverside Center of Invasive Species Research  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Aedes albopictus information

West Nile Virus Risk High This Year:

Please take a few minutes to walk around your property and dump out any accumulated rainwater from buckets, barrels, old tires, etc.  The work you do now will break the mosquito life cycle and protect you and your family from West Nile virus!

Contact the District to report 'green' inoperable swimming pools or non-functional ponds & fountains.  These can breed thousands of mosquitoes each week.

WNV is primarily transmitted bird to bird by mosquitoes.  Many species of birds can get WNV and in some, it is nearly always fatal.  The presence of dead birds in the neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity. 

Help us monitor and control WNV - Report ALL DEAD BIRDS to www.westnile.ca.gov or (877) 968-2473.  Not all birds can be collected and tested.  These reports help us direct our control efforts and keep you safe.

MORE WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND - NEGLECTED POOLS MAY BE TO BLAME:    The District continues search for neglected pools from the air. To date, we have identified over 1000 'green' pools, a significant number of these are in the same area where WNV activity has been identified. 

**On 8.11.2011, the Los Angeles County Department of Veterinary Public Health reported a horse from the San Gabriel Valley was infected with WNV.  The horse had no recent travel history and was not vaccinated.  PLEASE vaccinate your horses!

The District tests dead birds, chickens, and mosquitoes for the presence of mosquito-transmitted virus.  More information can be found on our Disease Surveillance tab

Report standing water or request our assistance

Report dead birds

How to Control Mosquitoes

Check out our NEW Mosquitoes & Mosquito-Borne Disease Brochure

Are you seeing GIANT MOSQUITOES?

Every spring we receive numerous calls reporting an emergence of 'giant mosquitoes' that residents often find indoors or around porch lights.  The good news is that these are NOT mosquitoes and they are not dangerous. 

Crane flies are an important spring-time food source for baby birds, so if they make their way indoors, just capture them in a cup and release them back outside.  For more information read Crane Fly Facts  or visit: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r785301411.html 

Job Openings:

No positions are currently available however 'seasonal' positions open up regularly.  Please feel free to fill out and submit an Application for future consideration.

SGVMVCD Application

Important links regarding West Nile Virus:

General information - WNV Brochure PDF File

CDC WNV Website - Web Site 

State of California WNV Information - Web Site