Asian Tiger Mosquito Infestation Area in the San Gabriel Valley Grows

Asian tiger mosquitos were recently found near the Duarte and Irwindale border, extending the area to approximately six miles long by two miles wide, officials said. 

Earlier this month, 125 volunteers from nine Southern California vector control programs and the California Department of Public Health teamed up with the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles County vector control districts, going door to door across areas of the San Gabriel Valley in an attempt to establish a perimeter around the current infestation. An Asian tiger mosquito was identified at one location.

"This news is not good," Kenn Fujioka, assistant manager for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, said. "Managing an infestation covering such a large area will not be easy."

Asian tiger mosquitos are day-biters, known for having a unique size - about 1/4 inch long - with black and white bands across the body and legs. The mosquito is a vector of numerous diseases, including yellow fever, dengue virus, and encephalitis. 

To help combat this aggressive species, crews will revisit each property where the mosquito has been identified, to schedule treatments for adult mosquitos. Any containers, bird baths, and plant saucers will be inspected and scrubbed to remove any eggs. Residents at these homes will be required to maintain their properties to eliminate the invasive threat.

Officials will use the winter to coordinate a plan for an offense in early spring.

"It's too early to determine our best approach, but we are evaluating all options, up to and including aerial applications of targeted pesticides," Fujioka said. 

Los Angeles County residents are urged to dump and drain any standing water around the home, empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them thoroughly every three days, clean out rain gutters to ensure water does not collect, wipe containers thoroughly with a towel and bleach to remove any eggs, and spread the word by talking about precautions with neighbors.

If you see any small, black and white mosquitos, or you’ve been bit during the day, call either the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 626-814-9466 or the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656.