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STATUS OF WEST NILE VIRUS

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STATUS OF ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO

Bring your old tires to the Used Tire Recycling Drive - July 27, 2013

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4.9.13 UPDATE:  In partnership with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, we will conduct our first large-scale treatment for Asian tiger mosquitoes on April 11, 2013 during the overnight hours between 12am and 5am. Targeting the immature mosquitoes in the early season will suppress adult populations as the season progresses.  Read our latest Press Release for more information on treatment areas, products used, and what you can do to help!   

11.5.12 UPDATE:  Asian tiger mosquito activity in October was the highest level seen to date.  A total of 92 samples were collected in October from the cities of El Monte and the southern edge of Arcadia.  As mosquito activity winds down for winter, it is imperative that residents search for and remove all containers that may fill with water during the rainy season.  Female tiger mosquitoes will lay eggs on these containers that will hatch next spring. LET'S BREAK THIS CYCLE TODAY!    

10.10.12 UPDATE: Tiger mosquitoes were identified for the first time in the City of Arcadia - approximately 1/4 mile northeast of the intersection of Santa Anita and Live Oak Avenues, along the city's southern border.  We urge residents in this area, and throughout the infestation zone,  to immediately remove all containers that can capture and hold rainwater before the rain expected tonight.  

9.20.12 UPDATE: Asian tiger mosquitoes have been found on more than 240 properties in the El Monte and South El Monte area this year alone.  Read the latest press release.

8.31.12 UPDATE: Significant Asian tiger mosquito activity continues to be found in the city of El Monte.  Hot days and high humidity provide ideal conditions for its survival and spread.  PLEASE CHECK YOUR PROPERTY AGAIN FOR ANY STANDING WATER - ESPECIALLY AFTER THE RECENT RAINS! Remove all unnecessary containers from your yard, and immediately report any tiny, day-biting mosquitoes to the District. We will inspect and treat your property as needed at NO COST!

Our goal is to eradicate this mosquito, but we cannot do it without your help.  

7.18.12 UPDATE: Under a cooperative partnership, District staff were joined on July 10th by employees from neighboring Districts to assist with Asian tiger mosquito treatments.  We were able to successfully treat more than 70 properties in and around known problem sites.  Management and District Trustees are deeply appreciative of the assistance of Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District, Orange County Vector Control District, and West Valley Mosquito & Vector control District personnel.

7.3.12 UPDATE: The District will conduct additional treatments on Friday, July 6th, for adult and larval mosquitoes by truck-mounted foggers between the hours of 1am - 4:30am.  Adult mosquitoes will be targeted using an ultra-low volume (ULV) application of DUET.  A second vehicle will apply ALTOSID as a low-volume (LV) mist to treat larval mosquitoes in hidden backyard water sources.  Read our PRESS RELEASE for specifics on the area scheduled for treatment and additional information about the products being used. 

6.21.12 UPDATE: On Friday, June 22 between the hours of 3:30am and 5;30am, Vector Control personnel will treat an approximate 1/4 mile area for adult Asian tiger mosquitoes.  Surveillance efforts over the past week have identified an increase in mosquito populations in this area requiring more intensive efforts.  Please read our press release for details: Fogging Scheduled to Combat Asian Tiger Mosquito Infestation 

6.18.12 UPDATE:

Increase in Asian tiger mosquito activity seen in southeastern portion of El Monte this past week.

5-14-2012 UPDATE: 

Late last week, both this District and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District identified Asian tiger mosquitoes in the cities of El Monte and South El Monte respectively.  This is the first confirmed activity this year.  PLEASE HELP US BY REMOVING SOURCES OF STANDING WATER AND REPORTING DAY-BITING MOSQUITOES IMMEDIATELY.   Read our latest Press Release

5-1-2012 UPDATE:

The District inspected nearly 700 properties last month and we are happy to report that we have not identified any tiger mosquitoes this year.  The season is just beginning so keep your eyes open and make sure you check your yard and get rid of containers that filled up with rainwater!  If you think you have seen them or would like us to inspect your yard, contact us today. 

Read the latest press release and help us protect your community!

Download the Infestation Alert Flyer in English, Spanish, or Chinese and share with your neighbors and family!

WATCH OUR NEW VECTOR INSPECTORS ANIMATED SHORT FOR KIDS! Would you like a kit of your own? OR a class set?  Contact us!

VECTOR INSPECTORS animated video wins awards!  Check it out: http://sigve.iste.wikispaces.net/EduMachinima+Winners+2012

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was identified September 2, 2011 in the City of El Monte.  This aggressive day-biting mosquito is very small (approx. 1/4 inch) with distinctive black and white banding.  If you think you have seen this mosquito or have received mosquito bites during daylight hours, please REPORT them and help us eliminate this threat.  

The Asian tiger mosquito survives well in association with humans and lays eggs in smaller water-filled containers around the property. 

• Dump out standing water and store containers upside down
• Dispose of or remove any unused containers
• Dispose of tires stored outdoors or move them to a sheltered area
• Drill drain holes in the bottom of tire swings or other play equipment that may collect rainwater

Expanded Search Continues

The District is working with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District to inspect other areas to determine the extent of the infestation.  The interactive map below shows streets highlighted in BLUE where the Asian tiger mosquito has been identified to date. 

 
View Asian Tiger Mosquitoes in the San Gabriel Valley in a larger map

As of November 8, 2011, the Asian tiger mosquito has been found in the cities of El Monte and South El Monte and in a County area near the border of Duarte and Irwindale.  

Managing this species will require ongoing, aggressive actions to eliminate standing water on both public and private property.  This mosquito lays its eggs above the waterline in small containers (such as saucers under potted plants) which are holding or have recently held water.  Empty all containers and place them in the sun for 24-48 hours before storing inverted to kill any eggs present and help break the mosquitoes lifecycle. 

We need the public's help! Please check your yard carefully for anything that may collect and hold rainwater - search under bushes for cans, bottles, toys, or other objects and dispose of, or store these indoors or in a covered area. 

Even though it is winter, we are still seeing mosquito activity.  The work we do NOW will reduce the number of mosquitoes surviving and reproducing next spring!

For More Information:

National Pesticide Information Center: Pesticides used in mosquito control

University of California, Riverside Center of Invasive Species Research  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Aedes albopictus information

West Nile Virus Risk High This Year:

Please take a few minutes to walk around your property and dump out any accumulated rainwater from buckets, barrels, old tires, etc.  The work you do now will break the mosquito life cycle and protect you and your family from West Nile virus!

Contact the District to report 'green' inoperable swimming pools or non-functional ponds & fountains.  These can breed thousands of mosquitoes each week.

WNV is primarily transmitted bird to bird by mosquitoes.  Many species of birds can get WNV and in some, it is nearly always fatal.  The presence of dead birds in the neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity. 

Help us monitor and control WNV - Report ALL DEAD BIRDS to www.westnile.ca.gov or (877) 968-2473.  Not all birds can be collected and tested.  These reports help us direct our control efforts and keep you safe.

WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY:   

10.8.12 UPDATE: Cooler weather in the forecast.  Thankfully, we are nearing the end of our WNV transmission season.  While we continue to get reports of human cases, most of those are from September exposure.  This year, WNV activity has been identified in nearly every city in the San Gabriel Valley.  There are currently 231 human cases (10 deaths) in California, 47 from Los Angeles County.   

8.31.12 UPDATE: WNV activity increase dramatically in SGV.  In the past week, the District has detected significant levels of activity in birds, mosquitoes and sentinel chickens.  Read the PRESS RELEASE here.  There are 8 human cases confirmed in Los Angeles County by the Department of Public Health this year.  In California, there are 56 human cases and two deaths. 

PLEASE TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MOSQUITOES!

The District tests dead birds, chickens, and mosquitoes for the presence of mosquito-transmitted virus.  More information can be found on our Disease Surveillance tab

Report standing water or request our assistance

Report dead birds

How to Control Mosquitoes

Check out our NEW Mosquitoes & Mosquito-Borne Disease Brochure

Are you seeing GIANT MOSQUITOES?

Every spring we receive numerous calls reporting an emergence of 'giant mosquitoes' that residents often find indoors or around porch lights.  The good news is that these are NOT mosquitoes and they are not dangerous. 

Crane flies are an important spring-time food source for baby birds, so if they make their way indoors, just capture them in a cup and release them back outside.  For more information read Crane Fly Facts  or visit: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r785301411.html 

Important links regarding West Nile Virus:

General information - WNV Brochure PDF File

CDC WNV Website - Web Site 

State of California WNV Information - Web Site