The Antelope Valley Times

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1,700+ unmaintained swimming pools in Antelope Valley identified as potential breeding sources for mosquitoes

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An average-sized unmaintained swimming pool could produce more than 3 million adult mosquitoes in a month, officials said. [File image of unmaintained pool, courtesy AVMVCD]
LANCASTER -The Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District identified more than 1,700 unmaintained swimming pools during aerial surveillance of the Antelope Valley. This number is more than double the amount of unmaintained pools identified during the District’s last seasonal aerial surveillance.

An average-sized unmaintained swimming pool could produce more than 3 million adult mosquitoes in just a month — enough to significantly impair a community’s health, District officials warned in a news release.

“We are asking for the public’s cooperation in keeping swimming pools well-maintained, clean or completely dry so that we do not have to issue abatement notices. It is vital for property owners to remove all sources of mosquitoes so the health of neighborhoods is protected,” the news release states.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and continuously threatens public health throughout California. In 2018, 15 counties across California experienced West Nile virus activity in some form. Since there is no vaccine or cure for the disease, preventive measures are the most effective way to reduce infections from West Nile virus.

The Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will continue its mosquito surveillance efforts throughout the Antelope Valley as mosquito season progresses.

They’re advising residents to remove standing water from buckets, tires, plant saucers and other sources where mosquitoes may lay eggs. The District also urges residents to do their part to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following these recommendations:

  • Apply EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label).
  • Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Be sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
  • Inspect yards for standing water sources and drain water that may have collected under potted plants, in bird baths, discarded tires, and any other items that could collect water.
  • Check rain gutters and lawn drains to make sure they aren’t holding water and debris.
  • Clean and scrub bird baths and pet watering dishes weekly.
  • Check indoor plants that are kept in standing water for mosquito activity (i.e. Bamboo and Philodendron)
  • Report any green/unmaintained pools to the AVMVCD by calling 661-942-2917.

To stay up-to-date on mosquito-related information in the Antelope Valley, visit www.avmosquito.org, For questions or services, contact the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District at 661-942-2917.

[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District.]

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Filed Under: Health, Home

9 comments for "1,700+ unmaintained swimming pools in Antelope Valley identified as potential breeding sources for mosquitoes"

  2. Section 8 renters cannot be bothered with these trivial things. They are too busy going out for fast food, or on their cell phones.
    Get your priorities straight.

  4. Thank you Section 8. Homes with pools should not be given to Section 8 programs. Occupants are not home owners therefore they do not care. Also Hud Homes should not have pools, obviously the buyer is low income and cannot afford upkeep on a pool. City should fill unkempt pools with sand. Don’t use it, lose it.

    • Pam, I agree with you wholeheartedly. But…..Shhhhhh, we don’t want to rattle the PC crowd in this valley.

  5. Wow Lancaster Officials.
    Time for Code Enforcement Operations.
    DO YOUR JOB!
    Time to step up Code Enforcement in all aspects of the”so called law”
    Neighborhoods everywhere are just trashed, unkept properties, people not responsible cleaning up dog shit etc etc etc. I think my neighbors are getting ready to enter the world trade market for Dog Shit they haven’t cleaned it up in 4 months and are way over the limit on dogs.
    Oops another aspect of ” the so called law”

    • La County supervisors just announced after 2021 no new pool construction permits will be handed out.

      • Tom, I would say ‘citation needed,’ but that would be a waste of time since that is total BS. I have to guess that either someone was testing your gullibility for fun or profit. If I were a pool contractor I would certainly get behind such a ridiculous rumor. “Better get this pool right now folks…no permits after next year!”