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Eaton Response - Frequently Asked Questions

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The District is committed to supporting property owners affected by the Eaton Fire by providing resources and support to help prevent mosquitoes from growing in unmaintained swimming pools and other large sources of standing water. As recovery efforts continue, we understand that property owners may have questions about the District’s role, available services, and how to manage potential mosquito concerns on their property.

This FAQ section is designed to provide clear answers to common questions about our response efforts, including how to request services, what treatment options are available, and how to report the status of a swimming pool. While we strive to provide support where possible, our ability to offer direct services will depend on available resources, environmental conditions, and evolving public health priorities.

For additional assistance, please contact us at (626) 814-9466 or email swimmingpool@sgvmosquito.org

District Response

Q: What is the role of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District in the Eaton Fire recovery efforts? 

A: The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGV Mosquito) is dedicated to protecting public health by reducing mosquito populations and the risk of vector-borne diseases in the San Gabriel Valley. In response to the Eaton Fire, SGV Mosquito led a coordinated, multi-agency mosquito control operation to treat 1,475 non-functional swimming pools by the end of June 2025. These pools were identified as high-risk mosquito breeding sources. SGV Mosquito remains committed to supporting affected property owners and providing long-term mosquito prevention, including monitoring and follow-up treatments as needed.

Q: When should I expect the District to provide services in the Eaton Burn Area? 

A: The District’s initial large-scale mosquito control operation, which began in March 2025, is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025. We will continue monitoring non-functional pools, applying follow-up treatments, and working directly with property owners to develop long-term mosquito management plans. Property owners are encouraged to stay informed and enroll in the SGVpools – Eaton Response program for updates and ongoing communication.

Q: How does the District’s work differ from the County’s debris removal process? 

A: The District does not provide debris removal, pool draining, or pool removal services. Our focus is mosquito monitoring, prevention, and public education. For debris removal questions, please visit the County’s Disaster Recovery Center Website: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/ 

Q: I am handling my own debris removal. Does that affect my eligibility for mosquito control services? 

A: No. If you need mosquito control services, please enroll in the SGVpools program or contact the District at 626-814-9466.

Q. What happens if I don’t take action regarding my swimming pool? 

A: Under the California Health and Safety Code (§2000-2067), property owners are responsible for preventing conditions that allow mosquitoes to grow. We recognize post-fire challenges and want to provide resources to help you comply. Please enroll in SGVpools – Eaton Response to help us monitor your property and provide timely support.

 

Swimming Pools & Mosquito Prevention

Q: Why is my swimming pool a concern after the fire? 

A: After a wildfire, pools and other large water sources may become stagnant, creating conditions for mosquitoes to grow. Unmaintained pools pose a high public health risk. A single pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in just one month. These mosquitoes can spread quickly throughout the community and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue, posing an additional risk to the community. 

Q: What do I need to do if I have a swimming pool on my property? 

A: Only two conditions will guarantee that mosquitoes do not grow: "Clean and Functional" or "Empty and Dry."  For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the district may provide temporary treatments or mosquito fish distribution while the property owner is actively pursuing a permanent solution. Property owners should enroll into the district’s SGVpools Eaton Response program to facilitate our ability to monitor and control mosquitoes in your pool. 

If you would like to remove your pool, please share this decision with the Army Corps of Engineers or professional contractors during the debris removal site walk and request that the pool is fully drained.

Currently, the District is assessing environmental conditions, mosquito abundance, and resource allocation to provide the best support services during this unprecedented time. To report the status of your pool, please visit: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/sgvpools-eaton-area-response  

Q: Do I need to drain my pool, or can I keep it full? 

A: The district is available to assist property owners whether the pool is drained or kept full. Only two conditions will guarantee that mosquitoes do not grow: "Clean and Functional" or "Empty and Dry."  For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the district may provide temporary treatments or mosquito fish distribution.

If you would like to remove your pool, please share this decision with the Army Corps of Engineers or professional contractors during the debris removal site walk and request that the pool is fully drained.

Empty and dry pools need regular maintenance by the property owner to stay mosquito-free.  You may also visit the County's guidance on draining pools here: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/#1740615603449-61de5c97-953b 

Note: Swimming pools without water are prone to costly structural damage. The District in no way recommends that anyone empty their pool and encourages property owners to research the negative impact of removing the water. 

Q: What if I don’t have a pool, but I have large containers or ponds that could collect water? 

A. Under the California Health and Safety Code (§2000-2067), property owners are responsible for preventing conditions that allow mosquitoes to grow. Property owners should consider addressing or removing large sources of water as part of their debris removal process. We recognize that, in the aftermath of this fire, this may be difficult or even impossible to address immediately. That’s why we want to provide resources to help you comply and prevent future issues. To help us protect public health and assist in keeping your property mosquito-free, please submit a request for service at district@sgvmosquito.org, 626-814-9466, or by using the SGVpools Texting Program.

Q: What services does the District offer to prevent mosquitoes in pools that remain full? 

A: For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the District will assess each site and determine the most appropriate mosquito prevention method. Treatment options may include temporary pesticide applications or the introduction of mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), a low-maintenance, long-term strategy for controlling mosquito larvae in non-functional pools. While the District will work to provide support where possible, our ability to offer direct services will depend on available resources and access. 

Q: If my pool is empty, do I still need to monitor it? 

A: Yes. A pool is considered “empty and dry” only if the pool is kept completely dry and free of debris, year-round. If you plan to maintain your pool “empty and dry,” please contact us using the SGVpools Eaton Response program. The district will monitor the condition of the pool during the recovery process and contact the property owner when action is needed. We understand that you may not have access to your pool, but please share if you have directed the County or contractors to empty your pool during the recovery phase. 

Q: How can I report the status of my pool? 

A: To report the status of your pool, you can enroll in the District’s SGVpools Eaton Response program, call the district at 626-814-9466, or email at swimmingpool@sgvmosquito.org

Q: What is the SGVpools – Eaton Response program, and how do I enroll? 

A: The District's SGVpools – Eaton Response program was created to facilitate communication between property owners and the district regarding the status of pools. If you would like to enroll into the program, please reach out using one of the three ways: Text Eaton Enroll to 626-314-6006; Email Eaton Enroll to swimmingpool@sgvmosquito.org; or Call 626-314-6006 and a vector control specialist will coordinate enrollment.  

Q: Can I receive mosquito fish for my pool or other standing water sources? 

A: Property owners may be able to receive mosquitofish depending on water conditions. After initial assessment of the pool, the District will deliver the fish, free of charge. 

 

District Services and Responsibilities

Q: Will the District come out and inspect my property? 

A: Yes. After receiving a request for service, the district will attempt to inspect or treat pools on a property, dependent on location conditions and debris removal status.  We encourage property owners to stay informed and reach out if they have any concerns. 

Q: Does the District drain my pool? 

A: No. The District does not provide services to drain pools. Please contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional information

Q: Is there a cost for mosquito prevention services? 

A: District services are funded with a benefit assessment on each parcel in the District. Each parcel pays $20 per year for vector control services. However, in recognition of the hardship faced by property owners in the Eaton Burn Area, the District’s Board of Trustees has authorized participation in Los Angeles County’s Direct Assessment Disaster Relief Program. Under this program, administered by the Los Angeles County Property Tax Services Division, the County will remove SGVMVCD direct assessment charges for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 on affected parcels and issue refunds to taxpayers who have already made direct assessment payments for FY 24-25. 

Property owners do not need to take any action to receive this relief—eligible parcels will automatically have direct assessment charges removed, and refunds will be processed by the County for payments already made.