San Gabriel Valley
Mosquito & Vector Control District Announces
Neighborhood Pesticide Treatment Scheduled in San Gabriel Valley to Control Invasive Mosquito
West Covina, CA – July 18, 2014
In an ongoing effort to control the infestation of Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in the San Gabriel Valley, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) will conduct a truck-mounted mosquito control treatment in the early morning hours of Wednesday July 23. The Asian tiger mosquito is a primary vector of chikungunya – a painful disease spreading rapidly throughout the Caribbean and as of July 15, over 350 travel-associated cases and one locally transmitted have been reported in the U.S. The application will target immature mosquitoes.
The treatment will cover two areas in north-west El Monte including small portions of Rosemead and Temple City. Section one will include the area north of Interstate 10, east of (and including) Temple City Blvd., south of (and including) Valley Blvd. and west of Arden Dr. Section two will include the area north of (and including) Emery St., east of Arden Dr., south of (and including) Key West St. and west of (and including) Mc Clintock Ave.
Click here for a map of the treatment area.
The District will conduct the treatment during the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 23, 2014 between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and approximately 5:00 a.m., to avoid traffic and outdoor pedestrian activity. Alternate arrangements may be made if weather conditions are not favorable to an effective treatment. The alternate date, if needed, would be Thursday, July 24, 2014.
The District will apply VectoBac®WDG by truck-mounted fogger as a low volume mist. The active ingredient in VectoBac®WDG in Bacillus thuringiensis isaelensis (Bti.) This pesticide is a target specific, bio rational larvicide with minimal risk to humans and wildlife. As a general precaution, residents in the immediate area should stay indoors with windows closed during the treatment. Additional information about this product can be found at:
http://publichealth.valentbiosciences.com/docs/resources/vectobac-wdg-specimen-label.pdf
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is committed to eradicating this dangerous, invasive mosquito from Los Angeles County. Applying pesticides by truck is one more tool vector control districts can use to target this mosquito before it has a chance to reproduce and spread.
What can residents do about the Asian tiger mosquito?
The Asian tiger mosquito can be identified by its unique size, color, and feeding habits. The mosquito is approximately 1/4-inch long and has distinctive black and white stripes across its body and legs. This is an aggressive, day-time biting mosquito. While there is currently no indication that those mosquitoes are infected, they are capable of transmitting viruses that cause dengue fever and chikungunya.
There is currently no vaccine or cure for chikungunya or dengue fever. These illnesses are typically sever and debilitating, causing high fever and severe joint and muscle pains lasting a week to several months. Infected travelers returning to areas where asian tiger mosquitoes are present can infect local mosquitoes increasing the risk of localized disease transmission. Both of these diseases spread rapidly making them significant public concerns.
Follow these steps to protect yourself from the Asian tiger mosquito:
CALL AND REPORT IMMEDIATELY any small, black and white mosquitoes, or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day
DUMP AND DRAIN: Check property weekly and remove all sources of standing water. Report “green” inoperable pools or other sources of standing water.
Do not store water in uncovered in uncovered buckets or rain barrels. Ensure rain barrels are completely sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Empty bird baths and small fountains completely or clean them thoroughly every three days.
DEFEND: Wear effective repellants and loose fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants if outdoors where mosquitoes are present. Ensure doors and windows are properly screened.
Residents living in and bordering the City of El Monte are encouraged to call San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at (626) 814-9466 with any questions or to report mosquito activity. For more information, also visit www.SGVmosquito.org
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases.
