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Los Angeles County (April 18, 2022) – As the weather continues to heat up, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) joins public health officials, agencies, and cities statewide to promote California Mosquito Awareness Week from April 17th through the 23rd. This statewide campaign raises awareness about the public health threat mosquitoes pose to our communities and encourages residents to prevent mosquito breeding year-round.

During California Mosquito Awareness Week, the District will be hosting a virtual Twitter Space discussion on how to prepare for the season on Thursday, April 21st at 11 am. The panel will discuss topics from properly treating mosquito bites, how vector control districts are preparing for the mosquito season, and what residents can do to protect themselves from mosquitoes within their community. Tune in by visiting the District's Twitter account @GLAmosquito.

“As mosquito season begins, we urge residents to be proactive in managing potential mosquito breeding sources on their property,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer. “Taking action now will make a difference in reducing mosquito populations and protecting you and your family from mosquito bites and mosquito-transmitted diseases throughout the season."

While the District monitors and controls mosquito populations in public spaces year-round, the most common sources for the invasive Aedes mosquito, commonly referred to as the “ankle-biter,” are found in residential yards and patios. During California Mosquito Awareness Week, the District will highlight mosquito prevention tips and empower residents to protect themselves and their community from mosquitoes.

Despite a dry winter, rain events throughout the early Spring and regular irrigation practices can lead to creating areas of stagnant water that develop into mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in sources of water as small as a bottlecap and complete their life cycle, from egg to adult, in about a week.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of West Nile virus and the spread of invasive Aedes mosquitoes in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:

Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.

• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly.
• Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
• Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

For more information, contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656, online at www.GLAmosquito.org, or on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. 

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Media Contacts:

Anais Medina Diaz, Public Information Officer | amedinadiaz@glamosquito.org

Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Communications | mjcoburn@glamosquito.org