Trucks to Spray Anti-Mosquito Solutions in Pasadena Neighborhoods Tuesday and Wednesday Nights

In response to a 400% surge in mosquito populations in parts of Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) has scheduled anti-mosquito sprayings for October 10th and 11th.

The treatments, aimed at curbing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, will take place between midnight and 5 a.m. in select neighborhoods.

The decision to spray comes as part of an effort to control the mosquito population and reduce the potential health risks associated with these insects.

The West Nile virus, which was detected in Pasadena mosquitos earlier this year, can be fatal for humans.

The treatment area is between the 210 freeway and Arroyo Seco, north of Everts Street and Hammond Street.

The SGVMVCD said it will use truck-mounted ultra-low-volume adulticide and low-volume larvicide applications to target mosquitoes at multiple stages.

“Our surveillance data reports mosquito populations four times higher than our five-year average,” said SGVMVCD Director of Scientific Programs Tristan Hallum. “The treatment will help decrease those mosquito populations and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.”

The Pasadena Public Health Department has been working closely with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District since learning of the elevated number of mosquitoes found in the District’s traps, according to Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s Acting Director of Public Health. 

SGVMVCD specialists will be applying Aquaduet, which contains Sumithrin and Prallethrin, active ingredients formulated to mimic the properties in chrysanthemum flowers.

Additionally, VectoBac WDG will be used, which contains Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils.

If weather conditions are not favorable, or if there are operational delays, the application may be postponed or delayed.

Residents are encouraged to visit the District’s website for the latest information on mosquito activities.

The District said residents should eliminate standing water, ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained, change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly, and report neglected swimming pools in their neighborhood to their vector control district.

To prevent mosquito bites, residents should wear insect repellent containing CDC and EPA-approved active ingredients: DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. They should also wear loosely fitted, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

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.
• Report neglected swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.
• Follow the tips below to prevent mosquito bites:
• Wear insect repellent containing CDC and EPA approved active ingredients: DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Wear loosely fitted, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

For more information about the mosquito control treatment in Pasadena, visit www.PublicHealthMosquito.org or contact the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at (626) 814-9466 and online at SGVmosquito.org.