LOS ANGELES (August 25, 2020) – The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD / District) is reporting high numbers of West Nile virus and elevated levels of mosquito activity in the neighborhood of Studio City. A truck-mounted mosquito control treatment is scheduled for August 27th between 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM in order to decrease the mosquito population and lower the risk of potential disease transmission.

The District will conduct a WALS™ truck-mounted treatment to control  mosquitoes between Colfax and Tujunga, and Moorpark and the Los Angeles River. GLACVCD personnel will be applying VectoBac® WDG, which contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils. It contains spores that produce proteins that specifically target and only affect the larvae of mosquitoes. Bti has no toxicity to people and pets, and is certified for treatment of organic crops. Since the material is suspended in water, the application will also not harm the finishes on cars or homes. If weather conditions are not favorable, or if there are operational delays, the application may be postponed or delayed. 

“This type of treatment application is just one of our many tools to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission,” said Susanne Kluh, director of scientific-technical services. “While mosquito activity is increasing throughout the County, this particular area in Studio City has just the right conditions for this treatment application to be the most effective.”

Every effort will be made to notify residents in the treatment areas through physical postings, social media, Nextdoor, and news media. The public is also encouraged to visit the District’s website (www.glacvcd.org) for the latest information on mosquito activities.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and as mosquito activity increases, residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV to themselves and in their neighborhoods.

Follow the tips below to reduce mosquito populations on your property:

• 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.
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

Follow the tips below to prevent mosquito bites:

• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply as recommended on the label.
• Wear insect repellent containing CDC and EPA approved active ingredients: DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Close or repair all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

For more information about the mosquito control treatment in Studio City, visit www.vectorcontrolupdates.org. Residents can also contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at www.glacvcd.org for additional mosquito-related questions. Follow @GLAmosquito on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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ABOUT GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is a public health 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.

Media Inquiries:
Anais Medina Diaz, Public Information Officer: amedinadiaz@glacvcd.org
Mary-Joy Coburn, Director of Community Affairs: mjcoburn@glacvcd.org