July 31, 2026

Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for July 2026.

The image features a smartphone displaying a logo for a mosquito control district, with text announcing a "July Update."

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.

The image features two professionals, a diverse team, alongside a service truck, promoting community engagement.

Mosquito Control in July

This month, SGV Mosquito enhanced mosquito control efforts following the detection of West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples in multiple San Gabriel Valley communities. Through routine surveillance, areas requiring an enhanced vector control response were identified to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease.

A hand holds a tube filled with small insects, with many more flying around against a blurred background.
Image of Vector Control Specialist releasing sterile, non-biting Aedes male mosquitoes in the community of Bassett.

The Communications Team attended 24 outreach opportunities that include presentations, education programs, and community events. Additionally, our Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T.) program, SGV Mosquito Match has officially began releasing non-biting, sterile male mosquitoes in the community of Bassett. Over 16 weeks, 460,000 male mosquitoes will be released to reduce the overall Aedes aegypti mosquito population in this 25-acre community.

In this newsletter, we’re highlighting a wave of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in the SGV this year, news of Typhus in LA County, and back-to-school community science programs that you can sign up for.

Let’s get the buzz on July.

 Public Health Education in Action

The image summarizes outreach data for July: 97,578 social media engagements, 2,809 in-person, 357 newsletter readers, 168 students reached.
Image of outreach stats for the past month.

This month, residents learned that only female mosquitoes bite and how Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T) uses sterilized non-biting male Aedes mosquitoes to mate with wild Aedes females, preventing their eggs from hatching and reducing mosquito populations over time.

We also highlighted our own SIT program, SGV Mosquito Match, to help residents better understand the science behind this innovative and environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control.

A demonstration at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, focusing on mosquito behavior and control.
Images of the Outreach Team educating people about mosquito source reduction and how only female mosquitoes bite.
May contain: people, person, crowd, architecture, building, classroom, indoors, room, school, adult, female, woman, male, man, accessories, bag, handbag, electronics, screen, clothing, footwear, shoe, chair, furniture, hat, computer hardware, hardware, monitor, audience, lecture, seminar, speaker, computer, laptop, and pc
Images of the Outreach Team educating people about mosquito source reduction and how only female mosquitoes bite.
A demonstration at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, focusing on mosquito behavior and control.
May contain: people, person, crowd, architecture, building, classroom, indoors, room, school, adult, female, woman, male, man, accessories, bag, handbag, electronics, screen, clothing, footwear, shoe, chair, furniture, hat, computer hardware, hardware, monitor, audience, lecture, seminar, speaker, computer, laptop, and pc

 

Current Outreach Services

Mosquito 101 Presentations 

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.

Book now

A presentation on Aedes mosquitoes, discussing their impact, biting behavior, and disease transmission in the community.
SGV Mosquito Booth for Events 

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.

Book Now

People are gathered at a tent promoting mosquito control services, featuring the "Tip 'N Toss" campaign to eliminate standing water.
The image features a stylized mosquito and text emphasizing "IN DISEASE CONTROL," highlighting the role of mosquitoes in disease transmission.

Mosquito Abundance Report

Graph showing average mosquitoes per trap from 2021 to 2026, with varying trends across different years and weeks.
Image of weekly mosquito abundance throughout the San Gabriel Valley. This line graph also shows a yearly comparison from the past 5 years.

Mosquito Activity Report

The image shows a map with blue circles indicating data points in the El Monte and surrounding areas of Los Angeles County.
Image of this month's mosquito activity by latitude and longitude. Bubble size indicates mosquito abundance per trap. Bigger bubbles indicate that more mosquitoes are present compared to the smaller bubbles.

Mosquitoes Species Report

The pie chart shows mosquito species distribution, with Cx quinquefasciatus at 75.15%, followed by Ae aegypti at 9.2%.
Image ofthis month's mosquito trap collection by speciesthroughout San Gabriel Valley. "Cx" indicates Culex mosquitoes and "Ae" indicates Aedes mosquitoes.

Typhus in LA County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is monitoring a record rise in flea-borne typhus cases across Los Angeles County, highlighting a localized outbreak in the Pico-Union neighborhood.

Learn more about Typhus in LA County

West Nile Virus Activity

This month, July marked the beginning of a wave of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the SGV. 18 WNV-positive mosquito samples were detected across 13 communities through routine surveillance. In response, the District initiated enhanced neighborhood mosquito control and public outreach efforts to help reduce the risk of WNV transmission.

A person in a work uniform is pouring a substance from a container while near a rocky area and landscaping.
Image of Vector Control Specialist setting a trap to monitor mosquito abundance in a community park.

West Nile virus is transmitted by native Culex mosquitoes and is endemic to Southern California. 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-borne disease risk.

A woman in a mask and gloves examines water in a drained pool, using a measuring device, surrounded by debris.
Image of a Vector Control Specialist assessing an Eaton area pool. 

Learn more on how we support the Eaton Area

The number of high-risk sites has been reduced to 899 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 

Status of Eaton Area Pools

  •  Currently there are 899 pools being managed.
    • 199 pools are empty and dry.
    • 88 pools are maintained with larvicide treatment.
The image shows a ruined structure with a chimney, debris, a green pool, and charred trees under a clear blue sky.

Status of Biological Control

  • In 613  of the Eaton Fire affected pools, we have introduced 18,000 mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis).
  • These fish provide a natural, long-term solution by eating mosquito larvae before they can reach adulthood.
A close-up of a fish's face and a small creature, possibly a larval form, is interacting closely, highlighting aquatic life.
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.

Go Back to School Bite-Free

 School is back from summer!

Go back to school bite-free with our EcoHealth community science programs. These free, hands-on programs mobilize students across the San Gabriel Valley to track invasive Aedes mosquitoes and protect our neighborhoods from disease.
Sign up your school for our free interactive program today!

Vector Inspector Program 

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.

Learn More

A woman and several children are engaged in a hands-on gardening or science activity outdoors, exploring nature together.
Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. 

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.

Learn More

A girl in a blue sweater peers into a microscope while others observe, engaging in a scientific activity.

Resources to Share

Beat the Mosquito Heat 

Don’t let mosquito bites ruin your summer plans. We have the ultimate guide to beat the mosquito heat.

Learn More

A family plays soccer in their yard, enjoying time together. A man dribbles the ball while a woman and a boy watch.
Pet Safety for SGV Pet Owners 

Learn how to protect your fur babies from serious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, like Heartworm and Typhus.

Learn More

A woman walks her dog along a curved sidewalk near houses with lush landscaping in a suburban area.
Take Action: Tip, Toss, Protect 

Are you wondering how you can take back your yard from mosquitoes? We have a guide to help you reduce mosquitoes on your property.

Learn More

The image provides three tips: Tip out stagnant water, toss unused containers, and protect yourself with mosquito repellent.

For more information, please visit our website.

District Mission: Providing the highest level of protection from vectors & vector-borne diseases in San Gabriel Valley.

An illustration encouraging people to share their experiences, featuring a person handing out materials.

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🖋 Written & Edited by Ally Gaspar
🖋 Eaton Area and Typhus Reporting by Derek Garcia.