San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District pauses operations to help slow COVID-19 spread
Inclement weather and public health effort to curb COVID-19 suspend District programs and services this week
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, Calif. (March 23, 2020) – The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) will suspend programs and services this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
This temporary closure will have minimal impact on the agency’s core mission to suppress mosquito populations due to the forecasted days of rain and colder temperatures. Employees will continue to work remotely while the District facility is closed to the public.
“We care deeply about the health and safety of the public and our staff,” said District Manager Jared Dever. “And for this reason, our agency will close this week out of an abundance of caution.”
SGVMVCD’s automated online tip line will remain open for residents to report mosquito issues in the community. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.sgvmosquito.org.
“We appreciate the patience and support from the public during this uncertain time,” said Levy Sun, SGVMVCD public information officer. “In between the rain events, we encourage all residents who are Safer at Home to stop mosquitoes in their yards and patios.”
To prevent mosquitoes from emerging when the weather warms, all residents should eliminate stagnant water weekly around the home. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a container as small as a bottle cap and complete their life cycle in about seven days.
SGVMVCD also urges residents to use CDC-recommended mosquito repellent when outdoors. Any repellent that contains active ingredient DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD), Picaridin or IR3535 is effective against mosquito bites.
About SGVMVCD
SGVMVCD is one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County. Year-round, the agency monitors stagnant water sources, such as gutters, storm drains, channels and non-functional swimming pools. The agency also routinely monitors populations of adult mosquitoes using traps and tests groups of adult female mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, submitting wild birds, such as crows, for testing can provide insight into the spread of WNV.