Eaton Area Response: Protecting Public Health from Mosquitoes
Our Response to the Eaton Fire
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGV Mosquito) remains committed to supporting residents affected by the Eaton Fire and protecting public health in the San Gabriel Valley. As part of the ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, we have led a coordinated, multi-agency operation to prevent unmaintained swimming pools and other standing water sources from becoming mosquito breeding grounds that can spread diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue.
Milestone Achieved in Mosquito Control
SGV Mosquito and its partners have completed initial mosquito control treatments for 1,475 non-functional swimming pools in the Eaton Fire burn area. These fire-damaged pools were identified as high-risk mosquito breeding sources due to inaccessibility, fire damage, or loss of utilities.
This historic operation was made possible by the collaboration of local, regional, and state agencies, including:
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
- Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD)
- Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD)
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH)
Treatments include extended residual larvicides lasting up to 90 days and the introduction of mosquito fish in select pools for long-term control.
Ongoing Commitment to Public Health
While this is a significant milestone, our work is not done. SGV Mosquito will:
- Continue monitoring non-functional pools and high-risk areas
- Conduct follow-up treatments and inspections
- Provide personalized mosquito management plans for property owners
- Seek additional funding to support long-term control efforts through 2026 and beyond
Early surveillance shows that mosquito populations in the Eaton Fire burn area remain below average, and no West Nile virus has been detected to date. However, the risk persists as summer temperatures rise.
What Property Owners Should Do
We strongly encourage all property owners in the Eaton Burn Area to enroll in our SGVpools program. This program enables regular communication, status updates, and allows residents to request inspections or treatments as needed.
The SGVpools program is the District's preferred communication channel for property owners and survivors. Enrolling helps the District:
- Track the status of pools throughout the recovery
- Provide timely updates on mosquito control efforts
- Respond quickly to residents' requests for service
Enroll here: SGV Pools - Eaton Response
While the District is addressing large-scale mosquito sources, residents can help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses by:
- Tipping out stagnant water weekly from containers around the home
- Tossing unused items that can collect water
- Protecting against bites by using insect repellent containing CDC-recommended ingredients such as Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535
In recognition of the hardships caused by the Eaton Fire, the District’s Board of Trustees continues to support Los Angeles County’s Direct Assessment Disaster Relief Program.
Under this program:
- SGV Mosquito’s direct assessment charges for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 have been removed for affected parcels.
- Refunds will be issued to property owners who have already paid the FY 24-25 assessments.
- Ongoing updates will be provided as property damage assessments continue.
No action is required to receive this relief. The County will automatically process eligible parcels.
Are You a Property Owner Affected by the Eaton Fire?
Please refer to the map below to identify if your pool will be included in the district's response efforts.
