Abstract: Mosquito abatement districts and public health agencies across the United States are facing an array of challenges to concurrently control native and invasive mosquitoes, especially the invasive Aedes mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquitoes not only pose a threat to public health, but they are changing the way of life for millions of Los Angeles residents with their aggressive day-time biting behavior. With nearly six million residents and an established invasive Aedes population spreading to new areas each year, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD/District) has been experiencing a high influx of individual/ neighborhood property inspections requests from its constituents. In response to the increased demand for property inspections and door-2-door outreach associated with Aedes mosquitoes, the District developed and launched Mosquito Watch, a neighborhood mosquito control program. Mosquito Watch provides the opportunity for residents, Homeowner associations, and property managers to partner with GLACVCD to educate and mobilize their neighbors or tenants to take action against mosquitoes. This presentation will discuss how Mosquito Watch has helped alleviate the need for District staff to conduct property inspections and door-2-door outreach by partnering with constituents to raise awareness and motivate behavior change.
