The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Tuesday the launch of a mosquito control program that will release non-biting male mosquitoes in the community of Bassett to reduce populations of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The SGV Mosquito Match program began Tuesday in the unincorporated community, where district officials said mosquito surveillance has consistently found high numbers of the species, which can transmit diseases including dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
The program uses EPA-approved male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium that prevents them from producing viable offspring when they mate with wild female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, officials said. Male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit disease.
“As the Aedes aegypti population expands throughout the San Gabriel Valley, the risk for local transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya also increases,” District Manager Jason Farned said in a statement. “The district’s S.I.T. (sterile insect technique) initiative, SGV Mosquito Match, provides an innovative approach that utilizes mosquitoes of the same species to work for us, not against us, effectively targeting this population and reducing the threat to public health.”
District officials said more than 30,000 male mosquitoes will be released each week for 16 weeks from July through October within a 25-acre area bounded by East Temple Avenue, Millbury Avenue, Moccasin Street and Vineland Avenue.
“While residents may visually see more mosquitoes in the area, Aedes mosquito biting pressure will gradually reduce over time,” said Tristan Hallum, the district’s director of scientific programs. “This program is species-specific and will not affect humans, pets, wildlife, or other insects, like bees or butterflies.”
Officials emphasized that the program is intended to supplement, not replace, traditional mosquito control efforts. They urged residents to eliminate standing water around homes, maintain pools and ponds, and use insect repellent and protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites.