Measuring just ¼ of an inch long, the black-and-white striped Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a force to be reckoned with. This insect is an aggressive, day-time biter and can transmit a slue of debilitating diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and other encephalitis viruses. This mosquito species is native to Southeast Asia but has managed to infiltrate other areas around the globe. Here in the United States, it has established itself in Hawaii, Florida and other portions of the eastern and southeastern U.S. Recently, public health officials have discovered this dangerous pest in Los Angeles County, in the cities of El Monte and South El Monte.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District are working collaboratively with the help of neighboring agencies and the California Department of Public Health to control the spread of the species and eradicate it from Southern California. The districts are performing neighborhood surveillance campaigns in the affected areas, sharing information with residents as well as conducting backyard inspections. Officials are also visiting plant retailers, distributors, and warehouses where these mosquitoes could have potentially hitched a ride on imported plants.  They are educating owners and staff about Asian tiger mosquito identification techniques and breeding prevention as well as conducting their own inspections. The GLACVCD Underground Storm Drain Team has already mobilized, treating miles of underground storms drains in El Monte and South El Monte. Both districts' laboratory scientists are monitoring for the Asian tiger mosquito by setting special traps designed to collect eggs deposited by females of this species. Surveillance is being conducted to determine the extent of the infestation and evaluate whether the Asian tiger mosquito has spread to other locations. (click here to read more)