Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for March 2026.

The image features a smartphone displaying a March update related to the Stan Gulley Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.

This Short Bites Monthly newsletter shares insight into the past month's activity. This 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 two professionals, a diverse team, alongside a service truck, promoting community engagement. — **We continue to provide the highest level of protection from vectors and vector-borne diseases to reduce outbreaks of human diseases in San Gabriel Valley.**

District Communication

A person is cleaning a stagnant pool using a long pole and wearing gloves and a mask, with a scenic background. — Image of Limited Term Vector Control Specialist checking on a trap in the Eaton Burn Area.

The district is in the Eaton burn zone every day, working to protect the community from the risks posed by unmaintained pools in fire-affected areas. We are consistently monitoring mosquito populations and providing treatments as needed.

Here is our progress to date:

992 Pools Managed: We have successfully treated nearly 1,000 high-risk pools. Our team provides ongoing monitoring and regular check-ins until each site is verified as functional and safe.
Biological Control: In 478 of those pools, we have introduced 15,000 mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis). These fish provide a natural, long-term solution by eating mosquito larvae before they can reach adulthood.

If you have noticed a neglected pool or standing water in your area, please let us know. Your reports help our teams prioritize high-risk sites and keep the Eaton burn zone safe for everyone.

Submit a tip

Outreach In Your Community

The image features a stylized mosquito and text emphasizing "IN DISEASE CONTROL," highlighting the role of mosquitoes in disease transmission. — **We continue to maintain essential vector surveillance including mosquito traps for disease testing, providing weekly data to** **the District, and maintaining** **mosquito fish**.

A person wearing boots and gloves stands by a stream, examining something with a stick amidst dry vegetation and rocks. — Image of Vector Control Technician inspecting black fly breeding sites in San Gabriel River.

Black fly populations are surging across the San Gabriel Valley, particularly affecting foothill residents.

The combination of local running streams and the black flies' five-mile travel range has led to a significant increase in activity throughout these neighborhoods.

Similalry to our approach on mosquitoes, our team of Vector Control Technicians are actively monitoring and applying treatments to reduce black fly populations, targeting areas whre larvae are know to develop.

What's important to know?

The image shows an up-close view of a small insect, possibly a species of fly, with distinct features and wings. — Image of adult black fly.

Adult black flies can not be effectively controlled with pesticides
They tend to gather cool, shaded areas
They typically target the face and neck when biting
An adult balck fly lives for approximately 1 month

How can you protect yourself?

Wear head nets when outdoors
Wear loose fitted, light colored clothing
Use insect repellent containing DEET

For more information, visit our Black flies resource page.

The image features the phrase "IN EDUCATION," an illustration of a magnifying glass, and cartoon mosquitoes, suggesting a focus on mosquito-related topics in education. — **We continue to provide excellent** **science education** **services and** **reduce mosquitoes in homes and schools** **within the San Gabriel Valley.**

District Representation

A group of four individuals poses for a photo in front of a blue backdrop featuring a close-up of insect larvae. — Image of District representatives for AMCA 2026.

This month, 4 members of our team shared the District’s latest project insights and field strategies at the 2026 American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) conference. We value these opportunities to contribute to our industry’s collective knowledge while learning from the expertise of our fellow public health professionals.

You can check out our presentation topics on our In the Spotlight webpage.

Current EcoHealth Programs

Little Champions Preschool Program

Help shape the next generation with healthy and bite-free habits. Little Champions Preschool program will turn your students into little champions who care about their health and their community.

Learn More

A teacher shows kids mosquito structures using magnifying glasses and educational posters at a classroom table.

Mosquito Intelligence Academy

M.I.A. is a free, K-12, NGSS-aligned, hands-on science lesson, where students are empowered to take charge of their properties and halt the mosquito invasion.

Learn More

Kids examining a display of insects in a classroom setting, using a magnifying tool for a closer look.

Did you know that there's a lot of misinformation on Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T.)?

We're here to clear that up through our S.I.T. Mythbusters series:

The image dispels the myth that releasing sterile mosquitoes increases biting insect populations.

MYTH: Releasing sterile mosquitoes increases biting in your area.

FACT: Male mosquitoes don’t bite or spread disease. The males released through S.I.T. are sterile and are meant to mate with wild females. Over time, this helps reduce the number of biting females in the community. You may notice more mosquitoes temporarily — but they’re harmless males.

GOAL: Fewer bites in the long run.