Short Bites Monthly
Public Health Mosquito Control for September 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 September
This month, West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples continued to rise in the San Gabriel Valley. In response to these elevated detection rates, our agency continues to enhance surveillance trapping and monitoring, community outreach and education, and physical control efforts and treatments in hot zone areas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Our Communications team was busy this month connecting with the community across 12 outreach events! We shared vital mosquito safety information through classroom programs, public presentations, abundance notifications, and local events throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
In this issue of Short Bites Monthly, we’re highlighting the launch of our fall community science program, tips on how to prevent mosquito bites, and our response to the spike in West Nile virus cases across the SGV.
Let’s get the buzz on September.
Public Health Education in Action
This month, we shared key tips on preventing mosquito bites, selecting the right repellent, introducing who we are, and sharing what we do as your local public health agency when there is disease activity.
Current Outreach Services
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.
Mosquito Abundance Report
Mosquito Activity Report
Mosquitoes Species Report
West Nile Virus (WNV) Activity
WNV positive sample detections continue to rise in the San Gabriel Valley. The district has 177 WNV positive mosquito samples this year thus far. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reporting the highest number of WNV cases in nearly a decade with 135 WNV human infections and five deaths documented this year.
In response to high detection rates, vector control specialists are expanding operations and conducting area wide treatments in communities with elevated mosquito activity. Enhanced mosquito surveillance continues to guide our control and outreach efforts throughout the district.
Mosquito control is a shared responsibility. Remember to tip out stagnant water, toss unused containers that can become mosquito breeding sources, and protect yourself with repellent when outdoors. Don’t forget to share with your neighbors! Elevated mosquito activity near you signals there is a mosquito source close by.
Friendly reminder! If you can't figure out where those pesky mosquitoes are coming from or need help eliminating or finding a source, submit a tip or request a property consultation to get direct help for your home or business.
Learn more about elevated West Nile Virus activity in the SGV
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.
Learn more on how we support the Eaton Area
The number of high-risk sites has been reduced to 895 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.
Currently there are 895 pools being managed.
- 237 pools are empty and dry.
- 54 pools are maintained with larvicide treatment.
- In 600 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.
Fall Community Science is here!
Our community science programs are back for the fall! Teachers and parents can sign up their classrooms for the Vector Inspector Program (V.I.P.) or Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. Each program offers a fun, hands-on way for students to explore real-world science and see how public health impacts their local communities.
Beyond being fun and engaging, these programs actively support our district’s surveillance efforts. Students gain hands-on experience in mosquito control by inspecting their homes for stagnant water, collecting samples, and analyzing them for mosquito activity.
Looking for early science learning? Our year-round preschool program, Little Champions, aligns with state kindergarten science standards to offer little ones a fun, interactive introduction to community science. Children get hands-on experience learning about mosquitoes and bite-prevention tips through engaging activities.
Learn more about Little Champions
Current EcoHealth Programs
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.
Resources to Share
It’s not the brand, but the ingredient inside mosquito repellent that actually works.
Hint: there are only 4 ingredients that repel mosquitoes.
Are you wondering how you can take back your yard from mosquitoes? We have a guide to help you reduce mosquitoes on your property.
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 Derek Garcia.