INVASIVE MOSQUITO FOUND IN EL MONTE
West Covina, CA (September 12, 2011) – Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) were identified last week in the 11000 block of Dodson St. in the city of El Monte. This aggressive day-biting mosquito is not native to California and has not been seen in the San Gabriel Valley since 2001 when it was accidentally imported in shipments of Dracena spp. “Lucky Bamboo” plants from Southeast Asia.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is working with the California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section and the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. “Our goal is to eradicate this population” said Kenn Fujioka, the District’s assistant manager, “We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.” The District will expand the search this week and go door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods to undertake control measures including education, source reduction, larval control, and local ground-based adulticiding (fogging) as necessary to target adult mosquitoes. Fogging will begin as early as Friday, September 16th in the immediate infestation area. Residents in these areas will receive a minimum of 24 hour notice prior to any adult mosquito control operations. Unlike our most common species in the San Gabriel Valley, this tiny (approx. ¼ inch) distinctive black and white mosquito is a very aggressive ‘day-biter.’ While they may be active around dusk and dawn, it is their day-time biting habits that are most characteristic.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day are urged to report them to the District. “We need the public’s help on this one” urged Fujioka, “Anything holding even the smallest amount of water must be overturned and stored upside down. Please survey your property and discard any unneeded containers, cans, buckets, and tires, or move them into the garage/shed.” This mosquito is even known to lay eggs in water-filled holes in asphalt and concrete. Native to Southeast Asia, this mosquito has invaded other countries through international transport of goods and travel. It was first found in the United States in 1985 and has since spread throughout the southeast and eastern US.
Aedes albopictus is an efficient vector (transmitter) of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and several viruses that can cause encephalitis. This species is responsible for recent outbreaks of dengue virus in south Florida, Texas, and Hawai’i, a virus not seen in the continental United States since 1946. Pictures of this mosquito and information about control measures can be found on the Districts website at www.SGVmosquito.org. Residents are urged to call or use the “Report a Problem” link to report possible sightings.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at 626-814-9466 or on the web at www.sgvmosquito.org
