An aggressive species of mosquito, named the “Asian Tiger”, is attacking the city of El Monte. This species is responsible for outbreaks of dengue fever in Florida, Hawaii and Texas.
Samples of Asian Tiger mosquitoes were found on 240 properties in September of 2012. Since then, large scale treatments have been performed in June, August and October of 2013.
Kenn Fujioka, the assistant manager at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District said, “Our goal is to eradicate this population. We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.”
Asian Tiger mosquitoes are a black-and-white striped insect. They are about a quarter of an inch long and are a native of tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia. These mosquitoes are aggressive biters and are active during daylight hours, as well as at dusk and dawn. Dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and encephalitis, are just a few of the many serious diseases these pests can transmit.
Personnel from the Vector Control District have been going door-to-door to alert residents.
These mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. They are asking residents to dump any standing water and store containers upside down. Old tires and other trash that could provide a pool for breeding should be disposed of. The District is also asking for residents to report any incidence of bitings or sightings of the insect.
“We need the public’s help on this one,” Fujioka said. “Anything holding even the smallest amount of water must be overturned and stored upside down.”
