A: The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is dedicated to protecting public health by reducing mosquito populations and the risk of vector-borne diseases in the San Gabriel Valley. 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 access. We encourage property owners to stay informed and reach out if there are any concerns. 

A: The District has been actively assessing unmaintained swimming pools and large sources of standing water within the Eaton Burn Area to prepare for mosquito control efforts. Beginning March 17, 2025, vector control technicians will initiate direct treatments at these identified sources. Vector control technicians will apply temporary mosquito control treatments, including larvicides, other mosquito control products, or mosquitofish where appropriate. 

This initial phase of treatments is expected to take approximately 4-6 weeks, with ongoing efforts continuing throughout the year as part of a long-term strategy to reduce mosquito populations in the area. As recovery progresses, the District will adapt its approach to best meet the needs of the community. While timelines may shift based on evolving conditions, we remain committed to providing support and resources to help prevent mosquitoes from growing. Property owners are encouraged to stay informed and reach out if there are any concerns.

A: The District does not provide debris removal. The District does not provide ANY pool draining or pool removal services. The District’s work is strictly to monitor, control, and educate about vectors and vector-borne diseases. For questions about debris removal, please visit the County’s Disaster Recovery Center Website: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/  

A: While the form is not required for property access, the District is collecting Right of Entry forms (separate from the County) as a FEMA requirement for work conducted as part of disaster response efforts. Property owners may complete the form by going to the following link: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/request-for-mosquito-control-services. This form is necessary to secure private property services long-term. 

A: No. If you need mosquito control services, please complete a Request for Mosquito Control Services form or contact the district at 626-814-9466. 

A. Under the California Health and Safety Code (§2000-2067), property owners are responsible for preventing conditions that allow mosquitoes to grow. We recognize that, in the aftermath of this fire, this may be difficult or even impossible to address immediately. That’s why we want to provide resources to help you comply and prevent future issues. To help us protect public health and assist in keeping your property mosquito-free, please submit a Request for Mosquito Control Services and Enroll in the SGVpools – Eaton Response program by visiting: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/request-for-mosquito-control-services.    

A: After a wildfire, pools and other large water sources may become stagnant, creating conditions for mosquitoes to grow. Unmaintained pools pose a high public health risk. A single pool can produce up to 3 million mosquitoes in just one month. These mosquitoes can spread quickly throughout the community and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue, posing an additional risk to the community. 

A: Only two conditions will guarantee that mosquitoes do not grow: "Clean and Functional" or "Empty and Dry."  For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the district may provide temporary treatments or mosquito fish distribution while the property owner is actively pursuing a permanent solution. Property owners should enroll into the district’s SGVpools Eaton Response program to facilitate our ability to monitor and control mosquitoes in your pool. 

Currently, the District is assessing environmental conditions, mosquito abundance, and resource allocation to provide the best support services during this unprecedented time. To report the status of your pool, please visit: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/sgvpools-eaton-area-response  

A: The district is available to assist property owners whether the pool is drained or kept full. Only two conditions will guarantee that mosquitoes do not grow: "Clean and Functional" or "Empty and Dry."  For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the district may provide temporary treatments or mosquito fish distribution.

Empty and dry pools need regular maintenance by the property owner to stay mosquito-free. The District does not provide services to drain pools.  Los Angeles County provides guidance on draining pools here: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/#1740615603449-61de5c97-953b  

Note: Swimming pools without water are prone to costly structural damage. The District in no way recommends that anyone empty their pool and encourages property owners to research the negative impact of removing the water. 

A. Under the California Health and Safety Code (§2000-2067), property owners are responsible for preventing conditions that allow mosquitoes to grow. Property owners should consider addressing or removing large sources of water as part of their debris removal process. We recognize that, in the aftermath of this fire, this may be difficult or even impossible to address immediately. That’s why we want to provide resources to help you comply and prevent future issues. To help us protect public health and assist in keeping your property mosquito-free, please submit a Request for Mosquito Control Services by visiting: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/request-for-mosquito-control-services. This form is necessary to secure private property services long-term. 

A: For pools that will remain full and non-operational during the Eaton Area Recovery Phase, the District will assess each site and determine the most appropriate mosquito prevention method. Treatment options may include temporary pesticide applications or the introduction of mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), a low-maintenance, long-term strategy for controlling mosquito larvae in non-functional pools. While the District will work to provide support where possible, our ability to offer direct services will depend on available resources and access. 

A: Yes. A pool is considered “empty and dry” only if the pool is kept completely dry and free of debris, year-round. If you plan to maintain your pool “empty and dry,” please submit a Request for Mosquito Control Services and enroll in the SGVpools Eaton Response program. The district will monitor the condition of the pool during the recovery process and contact the property owner when action is needed. We understand that you may not have access to your pool, but please share if you have directed the County or contractors to empty your pool during the recovery phase. 

To submit a Request for Mosquito Control Services and Enroll in SGVpools Eaton Response, please visit: https://www.sgvmosquito.org/eaton-fire-recovery-protecting-public-health-from-mosquitoes.

A: To report the status of your pool, you can enroll in the District’s SGVpools Eaton Response program, call the district at 626-814-9466, or email at swimmingpool@sgvmosquito.org. 

A: The District's SGVpools – Eaton Response program was created to facilitate communication between property owners and the district regarding the status of pools. If you would like to enroll into the program, please reach out using one of the three ways: Text Eaton Enroll to 626-314-6006; Email Eaton Enroll to swimmingpool@sgvmosquito.org; or Call 626-314-6006 and a vector control specialist will coordinate enrollment.  

A: Property owners may be able to receive mosquitofish depending on water conditions. After initial assessment of the pool, the District will deliver the fish, free of charge. 

A: After a Request for Mosquito Control Services form is received, the district will attempt to inspect or treat pools on a property, dependent on location conditions and debris removal status. While the District will work to provide support where possible, our ability to offer direct services will depend on available resources and access. We encourage property owners to stay informed and reach out if they have any concerns. 

A: No. The District does not provide services to drain pools. Please contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional information

A: District services are funded with a benefit assessment on each parcel in the District. Each parcel pays $20 per year for vector control services. However, in recognition of the hardship faced by property owners in the Eaton Burn Area, the District’s Board of Trustees has authorized participation in Los Angeles County’s Direct Assessment Disaster Relief Program. Under this program, administered by the Los Angeles County Property Tax Services Division, the County will remove SGVMVCD direct assessment charges for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 on affected parcels and issue refunds to taxpayers who have already made direct assessment payments for FY 24-25. 

Property owners do not need to take any action to receive this relief—eligible parcels will automatically have direct assessment charges removed, and refunds will be processed by the County for payments already made.