[Vector Control] – Both the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) are asking the public to report ANY daytime mosquito activity and take immediate measures now to remove miscellaneous containers, trash, and old tires from their properties before they fill up with rainwater this weekend. Each water-filled container can allow hundreds of mosquitoes to hatch and emerge into biting adults in just 7 days.

Invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes were found last fall in the cities of El Monte, South El Monte, and in an unincorporated area of L.A. County just south of the city of Duarte. Both Districts partnered with the California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section and other Southern California Vector Control Districts to identify the extent of this infestation and worked aggressively to control the population. With the onset of winter, mosquito activity subsided.

Asian tiger mosquito

However, warming weather appears to have triggered egg hatching and adult biting activity. Vector Ecologists from the GLACVCD report seeing flying adults March 7 in the city of South El Monte, and residents from El Monte are reporting to SGVMVCD field personnel that ‘those little black and white mosquitoes are back!’ Although neither agency has collected any Asian tiger mosquitoes this spring, these reports are not surprising.

Eradicating Asian tiger mosquitoes is a serious goal for both agencies this year. “This mosquito is a game-changer,” said Kenn Fujioka, SGVMVCD Manager, “We will be pulling out all the stops to eradicate this population.” On the east coast where Asian tiger mosquitoes are established, it is a persistent day-biting menace and extremely costly to manage.   This mosquito significantly alters how people enjoy the outdoors and increases the risk of disease wherever it is present.

The Districts plan to put enough pressure on the population so that it will not be able to successfully reproduce and continue to exist in Los Angeles County. This plan requires the assistance of residents throughout the area.

Asian tiger mosquito eggs

CALL AND REPORT IMMEDIATELY if you see any small, black and white mosquitoes or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day! Follow these steps to keep the Asian tiger mosquito from breeding around your home:

* Search for and discard any containers, cans, buckets, old tires, and trash around the home. Store items in a covered area or indoors to prevent water from accumulating.
* Drill drain-holes in tubs, containers, trash cans, and tire swings that must be kept outdoors.
* Look closely under all bushes and behind walls for trash, plastic bags, tarps or children’s toys that may collect water. Discard or store them indoors.
* Store recyclables inside covered trashcans or sealed plastic bags
* Remove any water saucers from beneath potted plants and drill drain holes in all decorative flower pots.
* Do not store water in uncovered buckets or rain barrels. Ensure rain barrels are completely sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
* Empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them thoroughly every 3 days. Request FREE mosquitofish for ponds or larger fountains.
* Clean out rain gutters and lawn drains to ensure water does not collect.
* Water plants at the soil level. Water that collects in the leaves and axils of plants will breed mosquitoes.
* Spread the word! Talk to your neighbors about preventing mosquitoes from breeding.

Both agencies are available for presentations and community events. Service groups, scouts, Homeowners Associations, and Neighborhood Watch groups are encouraged to get involved. Contact us to see how you can help!

For more information, or to request service, contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District 562-944-9656 or www.glacvcd.org.