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Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for February 2025.

Hand holding phone with mosquito image, text "February Update."
Short Bites Monthly ensures that our data as a public health agency remains transparent to the public and to people who are interested in our mission.
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We continue to provide the highest level of protection from vectors and vector-borne diseases to reduce outbreaks of human diseases in San Gabriel Valley.

District Communication

A person analyzes maps on dual monitors and paper in an office setting.
Image of our Data Analyst assessing pool data near the affected areas of the Eaton Fire.

In February, our outreach efforts focused on hands-on learning experiences, strengthening community engagement, and preparing for the mosquito season ahead of us.

Advancing Innovative Mosquito Control:

  • The District continues its research and exploration into adding Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a viable program to control invasive Aedes mosquitoes in San Gabriel Valley communities.
  • SITs have been used in the United States and around the world since the 1950s to control insect pests, and most recently to control mosquitoes in Southern California communities.

Prioritizing Public Health in Fire-Affected Areas:

  • District personnel are actively participating at the Altadena Disaster Resource Center providing guidance to property owners affected by the the Eaton Fire, and assessing unmaintained swimming pools and large sources of standing water within the burn area.
  • Beginning March 17, vector control technicians will initiate direct treatments at identified sources. Vector control technicians will apply temporary mosquito control treatments, including larvicides, other mosquito control products, or mosquitofish where appropriate. 
  • The District's efforts will focus on helping property owners prevent mosquito growth in unmaintained pools and large sources of water. While many property owners may have limited access to their properties or ability to manage stagnant water, we encourage residents to stay informed and reach out if they have any concerns.

Outreach Overview

February outreach: 14,136 social media engagements, 474 in-person engagements, 229 newsletter readers, 20 EcoHealth students.
Image of outreach stats for the past month.
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We continue to maintain essential vector surveillance including mosquito traps for disease testing, providing weekly data to the District, and maintaining mosquito fish.

 Mosquito Species Overview

This month, we conducted mosquito trapping throughout selected areas in San Gabriel Valley, due to lower mosquito activity during this season.

See this month’s mosquito species report below:

Pie chart showing species distribution: Cx quinquefasciatus 57.14%, Cs incidens 28.57%, Ae notoscriptus 14.29%.
This chart depicts the species of mosquitoes collected during the current reporting period. Species listed on the far right are sorted by total amount collected during this reporting period.
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We continue to provide excellent science education services and reduce mosquitoes in homes and schools within the San Gabriel Valley.

District Resources to Share

In response to the Eaton Fire, we are committed to assisting affected property owners by providing guidance, resources, and treatment options to help prevent mosquitoes from growing in unmaintained swimming pools and other large sources of standing water, such as fountains and ponds.

We recognize that many property owners may have limited access to their properties or the ability to manage standing water on their own. While the District will work to provide support where possible, our ability to offer direct services will depend on available resources and funding. We encourage property owners to stay informed and reach out if assistance is needed.

Our Response to the Eaton Fire 
Eaton Area Mosquito Control Support text over a scenic landscape.

To protect public health following recovery efforts, we're actively preventing unmaintained pools and other sources from breeding mosquitoes that can create a public health risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

Learn More

Eaton Response: FAQs 
Text "Frequently Asked Questions" over a scenic landscape background.

This FAQ section is designed to provide clear answers to common questions about our response efforts.

Learn More

Share our Winter Resource Page 
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Find out why mosquitoes thrive in your community. 

View Now

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Check Out Our Blog!

Communications Department Mission Statement:

Increase transparency and credibility through multi-media dialogue in order to engage and motivate internal, local, regional, statewide, and nationwide stakeholders to take action and become public health agents of change in their communities.

 

🖋  Written by Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant