West Nile Virus- Mosquito Identification

Greater Los Angeles County
Vector Control District
12545 Florence Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 944-9656

Above average rainfall and flooding this winter in California has been followed by warmer weather this spring. Stagnant water accumulating in ditches, drains, gutters, and backyard containers and pools is ideal for mosquito breeding. That is why the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) are encouraging residents this mosquito season to take the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses seriously and be extra vigilant in preventing mosquito bites.

Residents are reminded to take personal protective measures including eliminating mosquito breeding sources around their home, wearing protective clothing, using approved insect repellents, and reporting mosquito breeding problems in their neighborhood. Foreclosed and unoccupied properties continue to pose a challenge for mosquito control districts this year, so residents are asked to report vacant homes and neglected swimming pools as soon as possible. Call your local mosquito and vector control district to report problems or to request mosquito fish for backyard ponds and out-of-order swimming pools.

In 2009, West Nile Virus transmission led to a reported 112 human cases in the State, four of which resulted in fatalities. One life lost to mosquito-transmitted diseases is too many. For those who become ill, patient treatment costs and loss in productivity can be high and take an economic toll on individual patients, their families, and their communities. Effective mosquito control and public education is key to maintaining a high quality of life in California.

MVCAC represents 61 special districts and other subdivisions of local government responsible for mosquito and vector control, surveillance of West Nile Virus and other vector-borne diseases, and public education programs to help Californians protect themselves from disease. MVCAC advocates safe, effective and environmentally friendly methods of mosquito and vector control. MVCAC's Web site at www.mvcac.org provides statewide mosquito, vector, and West Nile virus information.