PICO RIVERA - Public health agencies will span out in local cities - including Whittier and Pico Rivera - to help limit the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito, a pest that appears in daylight hours and has been known to carry yellow fever.Asian tiger mosquitoes are about 1/4-inch long and have distinctive black and white bands across their body and legs. They are considered "container breeders" and require very little water to lay eggs and breed. They often breed in backyard patios where there is standing water. Health and vector officials will go door-to-door in search of infestations and to educate residents on the mosquitoes, which are known to be aggressive. In the meantime, officials say residents can help eliminate the mosquitoes by: •discarding any containers, cans, buckets or old tires around the house; removing water •removing water dishes from beneath potted plants •drilling drain holes in decoratative flower pots •dump and drain any standing water around the home and wipe the containers with a towel and bleach to remove any eggs •do not store water in uncovered buckets or rain barrels •empty bird baths and small fountains or clean them thoroughly every three days •clean out rain gutters and lawn drains to ensure water does not collect •water plants at the bottom near the soil, not the top Asian tiger mosquitoes prefer wet, shady and humid areas with lots of plants, shrubs and tree foliage. For more information on the Asian tiger mosquito, or if you spot the mosquito, call the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656.

********** Published: November 10, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 30