Extreme heat accelerates mosquito breeding, prompts emergency spraying amid health concerns
ABC7 Los Angeles • • health
Key Points:
- Mosquito control treatments using adulticide and larvicide will be conducted Wednesday and Thursday in Altadena and Monterey Park to reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus.
- Extreme heat has shortened mosquito breeding cycles, increasing mosquito activity despite the absence of rain, as mosquitoes need only small amounts of water to lay eggs.
- Experts emphasize eliminating standing water in items like rain gutters, tires, pet dishes, and plant trays to prevent mosquito breeding, as controlling larvae in water is more effective than trying to kill adult mosquitoes.
- Health officials recommend using mosquito repellents and maintaining swimming pools, spas, and ponds properly to protect against mosquito bites and potential disease transmission.
