The mosquito is the most dangerous creature in the world. Mosquitoes kill over one million people worldwide each year because they can transmit debilitating, or sometimes deadly viruses like Malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue with just a bite. All Los Angeles County residents play an important role in protecting their community. Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents can take simple steps to reduce them in their neighborhood. Here’s how to reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and prevent mosquito breeding in and around your home. 

Take our Mosquito Source Virtual Home Tour to find where mosquitoes can be coming from in your home.

DIY Mosquito Solutions

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in the smallest places – even a bottle cap! The best method to reduce breeding on your property is to limit the number of potential sources. Inspect around and inside your home for potential breeding sources. If standing water is found, remove the source. If the source cannot be removed, check weekly for standing water. Download our DIY Checklist for simple solutions.

Repel, Don’t Swell

Remember to wear insect repellent to protect your health. The CDC recommends using repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. It’s extremely important to wear insect repellent when you travel abroad as well, especially when visiting sub-tropical and tropical regions.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a "bird virus" that is primarily transmitted between birds by mosquitoes. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with WNV. People who get WNV cannot transmit it to other people. WNV is an endemic in Los Angeles County, which means its present every year.

Join the Conversation 

Join our #TwitterSpace discussion 'Prepare for the Mosquito Season' on Thursday, April 21st at 11 am. The panel will discuss topics from properly treating mosquito bites, how vector control districts are preparing for the mosquito season, and what residents can do to protect themselves from mosquitoes within their community. Join us on Twitter @GLAmosquito. Click here to set a reminder for April 21st.

Join Mosquito Watch

Mosquito Watch is a neighborhood program designed to protect our communities from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. With guidance from mosquito experts and your leadership, you can inspire your neighbors to act, and reduce mosquito breeding and disease transmission in your neighborhood. Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector for more information.