Many schools in Los Angeles County are reporting big problems with aggressive, day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are the primary transmitters of Zika, dengue, and other significant viruses. While we currently have no indication of illness in California, we still need to be diligent to reduce risk.
These mosquitoes can live and complete their life cycle either indoors or outdoors. Eggs are laid along the waterline of any water-holding container such as flower vases, plant saucers, buckets, used tires, and even plants that hold water like bamboo. Eggs can remain alive for years, and hatch into larvae when conditions are right.
How to Stay Mosquito Free:
• Remove or drill holes in the bottom of all plant pots, saucers, barrels, bins, and old tires.
• Do not keep water in buckets or root plant cuttings in water. Sharing plant cuttings can spread mosquito eggs.
• Cover trashcans, toys and recycle bins, and keep unneeded items out of the rain.
• Ensure rain barrels are properly sealed since mosquitoes can lay thousands of eggs inside them.
• Wear insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
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