Recent emerging mosquito threats add increased mosquito-borne disease risk to Los Angeles County

San Gabriel Valley, Calif. – Amid year-round mosquito threats and an increase in demand for vector control protection, residents in Baldwin Park, Pasadena and South Pasadena can rest a little easier knowing their cities are protected by vector control. However, vector control officials stress that every resident must still take responsibility of mosquito control in and around their home.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) will provide full service to the three new cities starting July. They will join 23 other San Gabriel Valley cities and parts of unincorporated L.A. County. SGVMVCD is one of five vector control districts in L.A. County.

Benefits of an Enhanced Mosquito Control Program

Programs provided throughout SGVMVCD include mosquito and disease surveillance; collection of dead birds for West Nile testing; regular inspections and control of standing water sources; and education and outreach. SGVMVCD does not provide control services for bees and rodents.

For more than 10 years, SGVMVCD staff dedicated efforts to control native Culex mosquitoes, which can spread West Nile virus and bite during dawn and dusk.

The Mosquito Threats Continue to Grow

However, since 2011, vector control has been battling infestations of invasive, black-and-white striped Aedes mosquitoes. These aggressive daytime-biting mosquitoes are uniquely adapted to city environments. Presence of Aedes mosquitoes increases the outbreak risk of Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses. Currently, there is no confirmation of a local outbreak of these viruses.

“Residents in newly added cities will benefit from a comprehensive mosquito control program,” said Levy Sun, public information officer for SGVMVCD. “However, the fight against mosquitoes is in people’s backyards and patios – places where residents must take responsibility for stagnant water sources.”

Let's Work Together

Vector control is calling upon all residents to do their part of this shared responsibility by following these steps:

· Tip stagnant water out and toss all unused containers that may hold water. Eliminate plant saucers and unnecessary containers. Do not keep uncovered buckets of water.

· Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water.

· Use insect repellent containing CDC-approved active ingredients, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD), DEET, Picaridin or IR3535 to avoid bites.

· If, after dumping stagnant water, residents continue to experience mosquito problems, they can submit a service request to SGVMVCD at sgvmosquito.org or call 626-814-9466.