Foreclosed Homes & Abandoned Pools Prompt Mosquito Concerns
Mosquito season is back. This year brings new public health concerns for Los Angeles County residents as the West Nile virus may resurge due to ideal ecological conditions.
There is also another force at play – the explosion of home foreclosures has vector control agencies working overtime to control the proliferating populations of potential disease-carrying mosquitoes breeding in abandoned swimming pools.
Empty houses can hide swimming pools, spas, fountains and bird baths that are not being maintained, which can provide the stagnant water needed for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle.
Within the 1,330 square miles serviced by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, there are thousands of out-ofservice swimming pools that require routine mosquito treatment.
The number is climbing every day, as abandoned swimming pools from vacant homes are reported. The number of service requests on abandoned swimming pools has increased 40 percent over last year.
This increase in backyard breeding sources may lead to a rise in West Nile virus transmission. West Nile virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes and may lead to debilitating health conditions such as encephalitis, paralysis, coma and even death.
In 2007, 380 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in California resulting in 21 deaths. There were a total of 43 human
DUI Check Point on May 5th
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Paramount will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Monday, May 5, from 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. at 7100 Rosecrans Ave. DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.
The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.
For more information, call (562) 220-2002.
infections and three fatalities in Los Angeles County alone. The California Department of Public Health predicts the virus will again pose a serious public health threat in 2008.
The best defense against disease transmission is being proactive to protect against mosquito bites. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your family:
Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities during these hours.
Apply approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Eliminate all sources of standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools, and spas.
Change the water in pet dishes and replace water in birdbaths at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and sprinklers that may create puddles.
Pick up free mosquito fish at your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order pools and spas and in ponds.
Keep in mind that the California State Health and Safety Code authorizes public health agencies to levy fines up to $1,000 a day if the pool is declared a public health risk.
Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 to report any significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood or visit online at www.glacvcd.org.
Upcoming Meetings
Council and commission meetings are held at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Avenue. For more information, please call (562) 220-2027.
05/06/08 - 7:00 PM City Council Meeting
05/14/08 - 6:30 PM Planning Commission
05/20/08 - 5:00 PM City Council Meeting
05/21/08 -6:00 PM
Park s & Recreation Com m ission
05/27/08 - 6:00 PM Public Safety Com m ission