Overview
- The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports an unusual surge of black flies in foothill communities.
- The flies bite the face and neck, causing painful welts, yet officials say they do not spread disease in Los Angeles County.
- Officials advise DEET repellent, face netting and light, loose clothing to reduce bites, and they urge turning off home water features once a week.
- Crews are applying larval treatments in fast-moving river sites like the San Gabriel River, though numbers may stay high for several weeks.
- Warmer winter weather and early snowmelt boosted river flow that speeds breeding, and spikes can also follow upstream dam releases.