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Pasadena – Steve West, Manager for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District took to the skies this week with the help of KTLA’s Katy Tur and Jessica Holms, their eye-in-the-sky reporter. This unique interview was spurred by the highly successful green pool surveillance venture between the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District earlier this year. Impressed with the District’s proactive approach, KTLA outfitted their news helicopter with a secondary camera and took Mr. West to the skies in search of green pools below. “I am very pleased and impressed to report that it was extremely difficult to find a green pool” says Steve West. “The District sends it sincere thanks and gratitude to the Pasadena Police Department Pilots, our local media, and all residents of the San Gabriel Valley for helping us in our battle against West Nile virus.” It seems that the District’s message has taken hold. Residents are dumping out standing water and maintaining swimming pools, which may help explain why West Nile virus has not yet appeared in the San Gabriel Valley this year. |
While we are pleased, we also urge residents to stay vigilant and remain cautious. “The weather is right for mosquito breeding and West Nile virus is smoldering all around us. One spark, and West Nile virus could be raging through the Valley once again” says Kelly Middleton, Public Information Officer for the District. The District has been diligently working to reduce mosquito breeding sources, but can’t do it alone. Every resident must help. Report dead birds to the California West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473); call the District at (626) 814-9466 to report standing water or mosquito problems; and follow these important guidelines: 1. Monitor your property weekly: dump out standing water and properly maintain pools and spas (buckets, unused “green” swimming pools, and trash cans are notorious mosquito breeders). Ensure faucets and sprinklers are not leaking and avoid over-watering. 2. Avoid outside activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. 3. When outdoors during peak hours, use a repellent containing the ingredient DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to read the label and apply according to directions for maximum effectiveness. 4. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. 5. Call the District if you are having mosquito problems. There is no fee for this service! The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is a non-profit public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at (626) 814-9466 or on the web at www.sgv mosquito.org. |