The district led, multi-agency effort to treat 1,400 fire-damaged pools is expected to be completed by end of June 

West Covina, Calif. (June 4, 2025) — In a sweeping wildfire recovery milestone, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGV Mosquito/District), with support from local, regional, and state partners, will complete mosquito control treatments to 1,475 non-functional swimming pools in the Eaton Fire burn area by the end of June. These pools have been identified as high-risk mosquito breeding sources due to fire-related damage, inaccessibility, or loss of utilities. Left untreated, they could produce millions of mosquitoes and increase the risk of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue.

The operation, which marks a first-of-its-kind response in the region, was powered by interagency collaboration. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) supplied pesticide, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personnel to expand SGV Mosquito's capacity. Additional trained vector control specialists were deployed by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), while the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) provided mosquito fish in large quantities from its own fish hatchery.

“Each untreated pool can produce thousands of mosquitoes every week,” said SGV Mosquito District Manager Jason Farned. “With the help of Cal OES, our partner agencies, and the tireless dedication of our team, we are now able to treat every non-functional pool in the burn area. This rapid and effective response will help prevent a second public health crisis in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.”

“Supporting the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District shows the state’s commitment to recovery and protecting public health,” said Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director. “Our collaboration helps reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses and directly improves the quality of life for the community.”

In addition to support from Cal OES, GLACVCD, and OCMVCD, SGV Mosquito received PPE from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and critical product donations from industry partners.

Historic Scale, Historic Coordination

Treatment efforts began in mid-March with a focus on approximately 700 priority pools located near residential areas. With the arrival of additional support, SGV Mosquito is expanding operations to complete treatment of all 1,475 pools using extended residual larvicides designed to last up to 90 days. In select pools with suitable water conditions, mosquito fish will be deployed to provide long-term biological control.

“We’re a small agency with a big mission. Through collaboration and a proactive operation, we’re protecting fire survivors, recovery workers, and vulnerable communities from mosquitoes and the diseases they can transmit,” said Farned.

Long-Term Public Health Commitment

While this initial milestone is a major public health achievement, SGV Mosquito emphasizes the work is far from over. Staff will continue to monitor non-functional pools, apply follow-up treatments, increase mosquito surveillance, and work directly with property owners to develop individualized long-term mosquito management plans. Depending on the pace of recovery, many of these swimming pools could remain non-functional for years.

To ensure continuity of operations and sustained disease prevention, SGV Mosquito is working with San Gabriel Valley legislative representatives for potential funding to support its work in the Eaton Fire burn area through 2026 and beyond.

Mosquito Protection and Prevention

Early indicators show mosquito abundance in the burn area is below average with no WNV detected to date. But as summer temperatures rise, the risk for WNV remains as it is endemic to the region. SGV mosquito urges residents to take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their communities by taking the following actions to stay healthy and bite-free:

• Tip out stagnant water around the home weekly;
• Toss unused containers that can hold stagnant water; and
• Protect against bites by using insect repellent containing any one of the following CDC-recommended ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

For more information, residents can contact the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 626-814-9466, online at SGVmosquito.org, or on social media: Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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Media Contact

Anais Medina Diaz, Director of Communications
626-814-9466 | amedinadiaz@sgvmosquito.org