Presented by Gilbert Holguin at the 94th Annual Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) Conference in Rancho Mirage, CA. 

Abstract:

 In early 2025, the Eaton Fire burned through residential areas within the District’s service boundary, destroying infrastructure and leaving thousands of properties uninhabitable. Among the secondary effects was the creation of widespread mosquito breeding habitats in abandoned and unmaintained swimming pools. District staff faced the challenge of identifying, prioritizing, and treating pools that posed the highest vector risk—all while maintaining regular operations across the service area. 

To meet this challenge, the Operations Department developed an adaptive post-fire control plan grounded in teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. Using Nearmap data, staff filtered and classified impacted properties, ultimately identifying over 1,400 pools requiring treatment. The team designed and tested cost-effective floating treatment devices using mesh bags and pool noodle floats, enabling rapid and efficient larvicide deployment. Collaboration with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District supported the first treatment round, with subsequent operations completed independently by District field staff using Natular NXRT, Altosid XR, and Gambusia fish. 

This presentation highlights the ingenuity, coordination, and perseverance of field operations teams working in challenging post-disaster environments. The Eaton Fire response demonstrates how teamwork and innovation can transform an overwhelming task into an effective and sustainable mosquito control program. 

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