Rising Mosquito Problems and West Nile Virus in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a confirmed human case of West Nile Virus, and as noted by the CDC, West Nile Virus is passed on from birds to Culex mosquitoes to humans. When mosquitoes feed on infected birds, the virus multiplies in their bloodstream and enters their saliva. Once this process concludes, mosquitoes can pass on the virus to their next host, including people and pets. In humans, West Nile Virus can lead to symptoms ranging from nausea, body aches and joint pain, to stiff neck and disorientation in more serious cases. While the majority of people experience minimal to no side effects, those with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems, and people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of experiencing severe or long-standing symptoms. 

West Nile Virus transmission typically increases during the late summer months as mosquitoes increasingly bite humans and mammals. Additionally, the incubation period for mosquitoes accelerates as temperatures increase in Los Angeles, while the egg laying and hatching cycle increases in tandem. These environmental factors lead to heightened mosquito activity and a higher likelihood of West Nile Virus contraction. While Los Angeles is working to create sterile male mosquitoes to reduce the transmission of West Nile virus, the importance of consistent mosquito control treatments continues to be paramount.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of West Nile Virus, please contact your medical provider for assistance.

Reduce Mosquito Activity at Your Los Angeles Home

Los Angeles was ranked the worst city in the US for mosquito-related issues. This is due to the many environmental and residential factors that create micro-pockets where mosquitoes can continue nesting and breeding. 

Female mosquitoes can lay between 100 and 300 eggs at a time in only one tablespoon of water. As a result, it’s important to reduce the number of areas where standing water can accumulate around your home. Aging gutters and clogged downspouts can create pools of water that invite mosquitoes to breed. Children’s toys, flower saucers, and even outdoor trash bins can collect water and allow mosquitoes to complete their hatching cycle and continue breeding. Dump standing water from these areas and consider using mosquito dunks in water that cannot be dumped to disrupt the larval cycle.

Mosquitoes prefer areas where cool shade, humidity, and dense vegetation create the ideal conditions for resting away from the heat of the sun. Trim the areas around your property that border local creeks, parks, or areas of dense vegetation. This helps to reduce the transition zones where mosquitoes enter your yard from their primary nesting area. Remove leaf litter and decaying brush found around your home and underneath porches and decks. These areas provide shelter from wind and sun, while creating pockets of humidity as leaf litter and brush naturally decays.

For outdoor activities, consider using mosquito repellents and citronella candles. Mosquitoes track the scent of sweat, CO2, and body heat in order to find their host. Citronella candles help to repel mosquitoes using a combination of botanical scents, while mosquito repellents help to disguise the scent of your sweat when properly applied. 

For more information about reducing mosquito activity in Los Angeles, read The 7 T’s of Mosquito Control and check out our dedicated Los Angeles blog.

Professional Mosquito Control Services in Los Angeles

At Mosquito Squad Plus, we are proud to offer comprehensive mosquito control services to Los Angeles residents. Our traditional mosquito control plan, Barrier Treatment Plus, is designed to help reduce and control mosquitoes for up to 21 days at a time. This potent insecticide binds to the surface to repel mosquito activity, disrupt the cycle of breeding, and help reduce up to 85-90% of mosquito activity. Through tailored treatments and targeted applications, our trained technicians will apply your mosquito control treatment on a rolling 3-week basis throughout the duration of your plan.

Looking for plant-based options in Los Angeles? We also offer a natural treatment blend of botanical oils which reduces and controls mosquitoes for up to 14 days.

For Reliable Mosquito Control in Los Angeles, CA Near You

Want to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus carriers at your home in Los Angeles? Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Los Angeles at (818) 350-8870 or contact us online for a free quote.