"End the Bites with Mosquito Watch"

New Summer Campaign launched for National Mosquito Control Awareness Week Starting June 19th

With the summer season approaching, everyday tasks like gardening or throwing away the trash are nearly impossible without getting at least one mosquito bite. Recognizing that mosquitoes have changed the way we live our lives, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has launched its summer campaign, “End the Bites with Mosquito Watch” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 19-25) to encourage residents to join Mosquito Watch, a neighborhood program that provides resources and assistance to help curve mosquito populations in communities.

In the District’s latest public service announcement, tired and frustrated residents have taken extreme measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites while completing everyday tasks. Whether surrounded by countless of repellent products or covered in layers of clothing, residents continue to get bitten by mosquitoes doing simple tasks like gardening or picking up the mail.

We are now living in a new mosquito world, but our residents don’t have to resort to purchasing the latest gimmicks to repel mosquitoes,” said Mary-Joy Coburn, director of communications. “Mosquito Watch provides residents with some relief from these pesky mosquitoes by empowering them with the right information, tools, and resources to enjoy the outdoors and their summer activities once again.”

Mosquitoes become most active during the summer months leaving many residents frustrated and looking for mosquito solutions. But it’s not just a bite; mosquitoes can transmit debilitating diseases like West Nile virus which is why residents must be proactive against them.

“Unfortunately, our residents are now dealing with two species of mosquitoes that have very different characteristics and habits,” said Anais Medina Diaz, public information officer. “But to find the best, long-lasting relief from mosquitoes, residents need to work as a community to eliminate standing water. Mosquito Watch makes that collaboration much easier.”

Residents interested in joining Mosquito Watch can access online tools and resources such as the DIY Mosquito Source Checklist or request door hangers to be distributed in their community at http://www.MosquitoWatch.org. Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:

• 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. 

• Wear EPA-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, Twitter, Instagram

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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 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.