Short Bites Monthly
Your digest for May 2026.
Short Bites Monthly newsletter shares insight into mosquito control efforts at SGV Mosquito. This ensures that our data as a public health agency remains transparent to the public and to people who are interested in our mission of protecting public health from mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquito Control in May
This month, SGV Mosquito ramped up control efforts in public spaces to prevent the emergence of adult mosquitoes in the community. Additionally, the Communications Team educated the public about mosquito-bite prevention at 23 different events and presentations across the San Gabriel Valley and provided updates about control efforts regarding black flies in the foothills.
In this newsletter, we’re listing our current programs that are available for July booking, announcing our Public Health Teacher of the Year, and providing essential information for SGV pet owners.
Let’s get the buzz on May.
Public Health Education in Action
This month, we had multiple events and presentations in the cities of Arcadia, La Puente, West Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Baldwin Park, Temple City, Bradbury, Monterey Park, Covina, Pasadena, and unincorporated areas like Altadena and Bassett.
The events range from EcoHealth education programs and Vector Inspector of the Year awards to city council meetings, presentations, and standard booths. We also gave some cities Bite Prevention Kits to use at events we could not staff, they contain repellent wipe samples and informational booklets on mosquitoes that are available to residents attending city events.
Current Outreach Services
Thank you for requesting our Outreach Services, we are officially booked through June. The earliest date available for Outreach Services begin on July 1st.
If you’re interested in learning more about general mosquito health and safety tips, book a Mosquito 101 presentation with us.
Perfect for senior centers, city clubs, libraries, and organizations with outdoor workers.
If you’re interested in having an educational and interactive booth at your next city or community event, book a SGV Mosquito booth.
Perfect for large city or community events.
If you’re a resident who wants to do more to control mosquitoes in your neighborhood, book a 15-minute orientation to become a Bite Back Captain for your community.
West Nile Virus in So Cal
Every year, San Gabriel Valley residents are at risk for West Nile virus (WNV), which is transmitted by native So Cal Culex mosquitoes. WNV cycles naturally between birds and mosquito populations before being transmitted to humans through bites.
SGV Mosquito regularly tests local mosquitoes for WNV and tracks resident reports of dead birds to pinpoint exactly where the virus is active and when a treatment to protect public health is needed.
Learn more about West Nile virus
Eaton Area Mosquito Control Response
SGV Mosquito identified 1,475 non-functioning swimming pools damaged by the Eaton Fire. These pools became high-risk breeding grounds; a single pool can produce up to 3 million adult mosquitoes in just one month, posing a significant public health threat through the potential spread of diseases like West Nile virus and Dengue.
Through monitoring, treatment, and aid from its partners, SGV Mosquito has significantly reduced mosquito-bone disease risk.
Learn more on how we support the Eaton Area
The number of high-risk sites has been reduced to 947 active pools currently under supervision. Pools from the list have either been permanently removed or deemed safe, meeting the criteria for being clean, functional, or no longer a threat to the community.
Status of Eaton Area Pools
- Currently there are 947 pools being managed.
- 95 pools are empty and dry.
- 177 pools are maintained with larvicide treatment.
Status of Biological Control
- In 661 of the Eaton Fire affected pools, we have introduced 19,830 mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis).
- These fish provide a natural, long-term solution by eating mosquito larvae before they can reach adulthood.
EcoHealth in Action
This month, we wrapped up our Spring classroom programs and attendance at Open Houses across the SGV. Currently, we’re preparing for a Summer of library and extracurricular programs, where we can provide hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Typically, we use the Summer months to prepare for a busy season of Fall Programs that you can sign up for now.
Current EcoHealth Services
For Tk - Pre K ages
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.
For Elementary School Grades
Vector Inspector Program (V.I.P.) is an interactive community science program that enables students to decrease mosquitoes in the community and protect people from mosquito-borne diseases.
For Middle School Grades
Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. is an interactive community science program that gets mosquitoes off the grid using scientific tools to trap adult Aedes mosquitoes and analyze their eggs to detect mosquito abundance in their neighborhoods.
Additionally, we awarded Matthew Nasont with our Public Health Teacher of the Year award! Matthew didn’t just go above and beyond for our program, but he also incorporated mosquito concepts into his curriculum and recruited two new teachers to our education programs.
Read about the Public Health Teacher of the Year!
Resources to Share
Discover the different kinds of vector-borne diseases that can affect us in Southern California.
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Did you know that there’s a lot of misinformation on Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T.)?
We’re here to clear that up and share the facts.
For more information, please visit our website.
District Mission: Providing the highest level of protection from vectors & vector-borne diseases in San Gabriel Valley.
🖋 Written & Edited by Ally Gaspar
🖋 Eaton Area Reporting by Derek Garcia