The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District reported a significant increase in Asian Tiger Mosquito activity from the cities of El Monte to the southern edge of Arcadia.
These nonnative mosquitoes are around a quarter of an inch and have black and white stripes on their bodies and legs. They are active during the dawn, day and dusk.
They originate from Southeast Asia but have invaded other areas through international transport and travel.
If these mosquitoes permanently establish themselves here, there will be a greater risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Besides being a serious pest, they can carry pathogens such as dengue, yellow fever, parasites responsible for heartworm in dogs and cats, chikungunya and encephalitis-causing viruses. Their favorite breeding grounds are water-filled containers. When their eggs hatch, larvae emerge and mature into adults in around a week.
It is important that residents do not keep water filled containers in yards and should overturn or throw away buckets and pots around their home to avoid standing water collected during the rainy season.
Residents should report any tiny, day-biting mosquitoes to the District and they will inspect and treat properties at no cost.
For more information, visit http://sgvmosquito.org.