Highlighting Over 70 Years of Protecting and Providing Expert Mosquito Control Services in Greater Los Angeles County

Santa Fe Springs, CA (July 22, 2024) – As temperatures soar in Los Angeles, so do the numbers of mosquitoes and their relentless, itchy bites. Routine activities such as gardening or taking out the trash have become fraught with multiple encounters with mosquitoes and their irritating bites. Recognizing mosquitoes' impact on our daily lives, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has launched its summer campaign, "Safeguarding Public Health Since 1952," with a focus on raising awareness and outreach of its services to nearly six million Greater Los Angeles residents. Beyond enhancing visibility, the campaign aims to equip residents with effective measures to protect themselves and their community from mosquitoes. Scheduled to run until November 2024, this initiative reaffirms the District’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding public health against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. 

"Since the arrival of invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Los Angeles County, many Angelenos have felt frustrated, envisioning no end to the endless mosquito bites. However, they don't have to feel alone in their fight against these aggressive mosquitoes," said GLACVCD Communications Manager David Pailin Jr. "Residents should be aware of and collaborate with their vector control district in taking proactive measures to enjoy a safer, bite-free summer." 

As part of its campaign, the District will host a virtual event on Tuesday, August 20th, at 6 PM to introduce Angelenos to the world of mosquitoes on World Mosquito Day. The event will showcase the District’s decades-long commitment and efforts, provide insights into mosquitoes of concern in Los Angeles County, and offer expert tips on protection and prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask experts their pressing mosquito-related questions. The event is free, but registration is required. Individuals can register at bit.ly/GLA_WorldMosquitoDay.  

"GLACVCD is a special district that has proudly protected the Greater Los Angeles area from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases since 1952," said Pailin Jr. "For over 70 years, we've been committed to safeguarding public health from these tiny yet dangerous vectors, adapting to new challenges, and innovating to protect our residents from mosquito-borne diseases." 

The District employs a comprehensive approach to control mosquito populations and mitigate mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This includes rigorous mosquito and disease surveillance, treatments to reduce mosquito populations in public spaces, and pioneering a potential new method in Los Angeles County with its Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) pilot program. This innovative approach uses X-ray sterilized male mosquitoes to reduce populations and disease risks. Public education is also vital, with the District engaging in community events and using social media to share crucial mosquito prevention information.  

The District encourages residents to join in protecting their community from mosquitoes and the diseases they can transmit. Residents can play a crucial role in mosquito control by following these simple yet effective tips:

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

●      Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.

●      Change the water in pet dishes, bird baths, and other small containers weekly.

●      Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.

●      Wear CDC-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, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656, online at www.GLAmosquito.org, or on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, Nextdoor, and YouTube.

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About GLACVCD

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is a public health service agency formed under the authority of the California State Health & Safety Code. Our mission is to reduce populations of public health vectors below nuisance levels and prevent human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases.