Damaged swimming pool (Photo – Karen Apricot)
In the wake of the recent wildfires, residents of the affected areas have faced significant loss and disruption. Among the challenges they now face is ensuring their pools are properly maintained to prevent mosquito breeding.
By News Desk
With many residents uncertain about when their pools can be restored to a safe condition, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) is stepping in to provide crucial support.
The SGVMVCD has identified nearly 5,000 pools in and around the Eaton Fire burn area, emphasizing the need for pools to be either “Clean and Functional” or “Empty and Dry” in order to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Given the extent of fire damage, it remains unclear when many of these pools will be restored to these conditions.
Enhanced Mosquito Control Services for Property Owners
To address the public health threat posed by mosquitoes, SGVMVCD is offering enhanced mosquito control services to property owners in the fire-impacted areas. These services include financial relief and targeted mosquito management to help mitigate the risk of disease. Property owners with damaged pools are encouraged to submit a request for mosquito control services, which will initiate direct communication with SGVMVCD.
Once a request is received, SGVMVCD staff will evaluate the pool’s condition and implement immediate treatments. These treatments may include the application of temporary mosquito control measures such as larvicides, other mosquito control products, or, when appropriate, the introduction of mosquitofish. The initial treatment phase is expected to last 4-6 weeks, with ongoing efforts continuing throughout the year as part of a broader strategy to control mosquito populations in the area.
Financial Relief and Tax Assessment Waivers
Understanding the added burden on property owners, SGVMVCD has partnered with Los Angeles County to provide additional relief. Under the county’s Direct Assessment Disaster Relief Program, property owners will receive a waiver of SGVMVCD tax assessment charges for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. For those who have already made payments, refunds will be issued. For more information about this program, property owners can visit the Los Angeles County Property Tax Website.
Leave a Reply