Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for February 2023.

The image features a hand holding a phone displaying a mosquito, with the text "February Update" prominently featured.

Short Bites Monthly ensures that our data as a public health agency remains transparent to the public and to people who are interested in our mission.

The image features the phrase "IN YOUR COMMUNITY" alongside colorful house icons against a light background.

Events

  • You can book us on our website or through the link below:

Book us now!

Outreach Efforts

outreach efforts diagram, text
  • Enhanced Neighborhood Support (ENS) has been conducted in several neighborhoods. This includes door-to-door property inspections, delivery of educational material, and residential alerts to disease threats.
  • This month, our Technicians prioritized the sources that support early breeding to flatten the annual curve of mosquito abundance and disease transmission.

Mosquito & Vector Control Conference

A group of people seated at a conference or meeting, some wearing masks, focused on a presentation or discussion.
Image of District attendees at MVCAC.
  • Most of our District staff was able to attend the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California conference, which was held nearby at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
  • The conference gives insight to what other Districts are doing to control mosquitoes, educate the public, and continue to prevent mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
text, chalk board

EcoHealth Newsletter

  • EcoHealth Newsletter informs you of professional development opportunities, FREE available NGSS- aligned programs, & the latest teacher resources for you to use in the classroom.
  • Want to submit a question to our Education Specialists? Submit a question here and we will answer it in a future EcoHealth newsletter!

Read February Newsletter 

Mosquito Intelligence Academy

An animated character with short hair holding a magnifying glass, posed beside the name "MIA" on a bright blue background.
  • In-person school visits are booking up fast, don’t miss an opportunity to bring science to your students’ doorstep.

Book a Program 

Digital Communication

  • This month, we are updating our automation process and including new content!
  • We are updating our content for students and teachers with more engaging demonstrations to help them complete their citizen science program.
A person in a red checkered shirt is crouching by a brick wall, handling a black container while surrounded by plants.
Image of G.R.I.D Program set-up. Students will follow a step-by-step process during their citizen science activity.
The image features text that reads "IN DISEASE CONTROL & MONITORING" beside an illustration of a microscope with a virus graphic.

We continue to focus on maintaining essential vector surveillance including mosquito trap routes, arbovirus testing, providing weekly data to the District, and maintaining the mosquito fish and mosquito colonies.

A person in a lab coat uses a microscope to examine a sample, wearing gloves and a mask in a scientific lab setting.
Image of mosquito analysis in the District Lab.

Data Collection

The image shows a map with blue circles indicating various locations in the San Gabriel Valley region of California.
Image of average mosquitoes per trap by sampling location and by city/community. The size of the bubbles on the map reflects the relative numbers of mosquitoes caught at each trap.
The pie chart shows species distribution: Cx quinquefasciatus at 97.66%, Ae notoscriptus at 0.93%, and others in minimal amounts.
  • This month, more Cx. quinqufasciatus mosquitoes were caught per trap in comparison to Ae. notoscriptus mosquitoes.
  • Aedes mosquitoes, also known as ankle biters, are not as active during the cold weather. Currently, these black-and-white striped mosquitoes are considered nuisance biters and are not spreading any diseases locally.

Before you go, check out the links we love this month …

The image features bold text that says "LINKS WE LOVE" on an orange background.
woman blowing kiss
What is Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T.)? 

New methods to control invasive Aedes mosquitoes are needed more than ever to protect the health and well-being of Californians. S.I.T. is an important option for mosquito control experts.

Learn More

Your Mosquito 101 Guide 

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world! Here’s what you need to know to stay healthy and bite-free.

Watch Now

Water Smart Workshops at Your Fingertips 

Your local water district hosts a variety of workshops that offer useful tips and how-to information on water efficient topics. Classes are open to the public and are free of charge.

Learn More

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Communications Department Mission Statement:

Increase transparency and credibility through multi-media dialogue in order to engage and motivate internal, local, regional, statewide, and nationwide stakeholders to take action and become public health agents of change in their communities.

 

🖋 Written by Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant