◈ Homepage — https://www.lawestvector.org/Skip to content Service Request About the District Financials Employment Mosquitoes Ticks Africanized Bees Fire Ants Search for... Search Los Angeles County West Vector Control District VECTOR & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE CONTROL Learn about vector-transmitted diseases, vector-related injuries, and services provided. CALL (310) 915-7370 If you think you have a mosquito, bee, or red fire ant problem, call or use our contact form: Service Request WEST NILE VIRUS For virus activity in Los Angeles County, who’s at risk, how infection occurs, and symptoms: About West Nile Can Mosquitoes Transmit COVID-19? There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be transmitted by mosquitoes. For more information on COVID-19, visit: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) County of Los Angeles Public Health  What Is a Vector? A vector is any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury, including, but not limited to, mosquitoes, flies, other insects, ticks, mites, and rats, but not including any domesticated animal. Mosquitoes Ticks Honey Bees Fire Ants  Cities & County Areas Served *Only portions of Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County are within the District boundaries. Agoura Hills Beverly Hills Calabasas Culver City El Segundo Hawthorne Hermosa Beach Hidden Hills Inglewood Lawndale Lomita Los Angeles City* Los Angeles County* Malibu Manhattan Beach Palos Verdes Estates Rancho Palos Verdes Redondo Beach Rolling Hills Rolling Hills Estates Santa Monica Torrance West Hollywood Westlake Village Other L.A. County Districts (310) 915-7370 Call for information about the District’s Public Education Program, to request informational brochures, or to ask a District representative to speak at an event. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. ◈ Interior Pages — 10 pages crawledTick Removal - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Tick Removal The Best Way to Remove a Tick A number of tick removal devices have been marketed, but none are better than a plain set of fine tipped tweezers. Folklore remedies such as petroleum jelly or hot matches do little to encourage a tick to detach from skin. In fact, they may make matters worse by irritating the tick and stimulating it to release additional saliva, increasing the chances of transmitting the pathogen. These methods of tick removal should be avoided. Tick Removal Procedure 1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves.   2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick. This may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove mouthparts with tweezers. Consult your healthcare provider if infection occurs. 3. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids (saliva, hemolymph, gut contents) may contain infectious organisms. 4. Do not handle the tick with bare hands because infectious agents may enter through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. This precaution is particularly directed to individuals who remove ticks from domestic animals with unprotected fingers. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons may be at greater risk of infection and should avoid this procedure. 5. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.   6. You may wish to save the tick for identification in case you become ill within 2 to 3 weeks. Your doctor can use the information to assist in making an accurate diagnosis. Place the tick, along with several blades of grass, into a small container (e.g. a clean screw-cap pill bottle or a zip-lock bag) for later examination. Write the date of the bite on a piece of paper with a pencil and place it in the bag. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Mistaken for Mosquitoes - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Mistaken for Mosquitoes Mosquito Several varieties of mosquitoes are present in the District, many of which are known vectors. 1/4″ to 1/2″ in length Females can bite and transmit disease Mosquitoes in the District Mistaken for Mosquitoes Crane Fly 1″ to 1 1/2″ in length Does not bite Chironomid Midge 1/16″ to 1/2″ in length Does not bite Seen in swarms along rivers, lakes, ponds, and channels Black Fly 1/8″ to 1/4″ in length Females can bite If you are a resident of the District:  CALL (310) 915-7370 to report mosquito issues, or: Use Our Form  CALL (877) WNV-BIRD to report a dead bird, or visit: westnile.ca.gov Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Invasive Aedes Mosquito - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes  Species in LA County Asian Tiger (Aedes albopictus) Yellow Fever (Aedes aegypti) Austrailian Backyard (Aedes notoscriptus) R Current Status To date, there have been no confirmed reports of Aedes mosquitoes carrying Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, or Chikungunya in Los Angeles County. Visit the California Department of Public Health’s website for the latest information on Aedes mosquitoes and Zika in Los Angeles County. cdph.ca.gov Characteristics Appearance Aedes mosquitos are small with black and white stripes. Behavior Aggressive daytime biter (can also bite at night). Most established mosquitoes in the area bite primarily at dawn and dusk. Breeding Habit Breeds indoors and outdoors primarily in plant saucers and other water filled containers. Eggs Eggs are laid above the water line in containers with as little as a teaspoon of water. The eggs can survive dry conditions up to two (2) years and develop when water fills the container. Breeding Sources Flower pots and vases Plants that can hold water (bamboo or bromeliads) Plant saucers Buckets Clogged rain gutters Rain barrels Old tires Ponds Birdbaths Fountains Tree holes Tin cans Diseases Transmitted Zika Virus Dengue Fever Yellow Fever Chikungunya These diseases normally occur in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Mexico, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Aedes mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Currently, Los Angeles County is listed by the CDC as an area with no known risk of Zika infections. If you are traveling and would like the most up-to-date information on the occurrence of Zika throughout the world, visit the CDC’s Zika Travel Info page. wwwnc.cdc.gov Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Service Request - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page SERVICE REQUEST To Register a Complaint If you are a resident of the District: CALL (310) 915-7370 for mosquitoes or fire ants. Use Our Form CALL (877) WNV-BIRD to report a dead bird. westnile.ca.gov CALL (310) 915-7370 for bees or yellow jackets. Bee Protection  Make a Service Request Submit a service request and our staff will respond shortly. All fields are required. First & Last Name (Area Code) Phone Street Address City Zip Code Email Service Request Submit Request (310) 915-7370 ext. 501 Call for information about the District’s Public Education Program, to request informational brochures, or to ask a District representative to speak at an event. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Lyme Disease - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Lyme Disease Lyme Disease FAQ What is Lyme Disease? How does infection occur? Who is at risk for infection? When do symptoms develop? What are the symptoms? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated? Lyme in Animals FAQ How is Lyme identified in animals? How can I protect my pet? District Tick & Lyme Activity 2026 Lyme-Positive Tick Map (PDF) 2026 Tick Collection Results (PDF) 2025 Tick Collection Results (PDF) 2024 Tick Collection Results (PDF)   The District provides guidelines for how to prevent tick-borne diseases: Disease Prevention Reduce your chances of contracting tick-borne diseases by removing a tick promptly: Tick Removal What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is an infection caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted by the bite of deer (Ixodes scapularis) and western black-legged (Ixodes pacificus) ticks. The deer tick, which normally feeds on the white-footed mouse, the white-tailed deer, other mammals, and birds, is responsible for transmitting Lyme disease bacteria to humans in the northeastern and north-central United States. On the Pacific Coast, the bacteria are transmitted to humans by the western black-legged tick. The western black-legged tick is much smaller than common dog and cattle ticks. In their larval and nymphal stages, they are no bigger than a pinhead. Adult ticks are slightly larger. Larvae and nymphs take in spirochetes as they feed on infected mice. Infected larvae molt to infected nymphs and infected nymphs molt to infected adults. How Does Infection Occur? More cases of people infected with Lyme disease are the result of the feeding of infected nymphs rather than infected adults. Ticks will attach anywhere on the body, but prefer body creases such as the armpit, groin, back of the knee, and nape of the neck. Most cases of Lyme disease occur between late spring and early fall when people are outdoors and ticks are most active. Ticks feed on blood by inserting their mouth parts (not their whole bodies) into the skin of a host animal. They are slow feeders: a complete blood meal can take several days. As they feed, their bodies slowly enlarge. Who Is at Risk for Infection? In the United States, the disease is mostly localized to states in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and upper north-central regions, and to several counties in northwestern California. The number of annually reported cases of Lyme disease in the United States has increased about 25-fold since national surveillance began in 1982, and a mean of approximately 12,500 cases annually were reported by states to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1993-1997. CDC U.S. Incidence of Lyme by State Most B. burgdorferi infections are thought to result from exposure to infected ticks during property maintenance, recreation, and leisure activities. Thus, individuals who live or work in residential areas surrounded by woods or overgrown brush infested by vector ticks are at risk of getting Lyme disease. In addition, persons who participate in recreational activities away from home such as hiking, camping, fishing and hunting in tick habitat, and persons who engage in outdoor occupations, such as landscaping, brush clearing, forestry, and wildlife and parks management in endemic areas may also be at risk of getting Lyme disease. When Do Symptoms Develop? A red rash usually appears an average of 1 to 2 weeks after disease transmission. The early symptoms of Lyme Disease can be mild and easily overlooked. Although a majority of the infected develop the classic red rash, many do not. People who are aware of the risk of Lyme Disease in their communities and who don’t ignore the sometimes subtle early symptoms are most likely to seek medical attention and treatment early enough to be assured of a full recovery. What Are the Symptoms? Early Symptoms The first symptom is usually an expanding rash called erythema migrans, or EM, in medical terms. It is thought to occur in only about 50-60% of all Lyme Disease cases, and is characterized by the following: Usually (but not always) radiates from the site of the bite Appears a solid red expanding rash or blotch, or a central spot surrounded by clear skin that is ringed by a red rash (bullseye). Average diameter of 5″ to 6″ Persists for about 3 to 5 weeks May or may not be warm to the touch Is usually painful or itchy EM rashes appearing on brown-skinned or sun-tanned patients may be more difficult to identify because of decreased contrast between darker skin tones and the red rash. A dark, bruise-like appearance is more common on dark-skinned patients. Around the time the rash appears, other symptoms such as joint pains, chills, fever, and fatigue are common, but they may not seem serious enough to require medical attention. These symptoms may be brief, only to recur as a broader spectrum of symptoms as the disease progresses.   Disease Progression As the Lyme Disease spirochete continues disseminating through the body, a number of other symptoms can occur, including: Severe fatique Stiff, aching neck Tingling or numbness in the extremities Facial palsy (paralysis)   Later-Stage The more severe, potentially debilitating symptoms of later-stage Lyme Disease may occur weeks, months, or, in a few cases, years after a tick bite. These can include: Severe headaches Painful arthritis and swelling of joints Cardiac abnormalities, and central nervous system involvement leading to cognitive disorders.   How Is It Diagnosed? There is no test that can determine if a patient is infected with the Lyme Disease bacterium and then demonstrate that the patient has become bacterium-free. Therefore, Lyme Disease is a clinical diagnosis based on signs and symptoms, with the patients travel history to endemic areas and test results being additional pieces of information in the complete picture. No test can “rule-out” Lyme Disease. Certain tests, both indirect and direct, can aid in a proper diagnosis. Indirect (Antibody) Tests Antibodies are the immune system’s response to combat infection. Tests strive to be both sensitive (detecting any Lyme Disease antibodies) and specific (detecting just Lyme Disease antibodies). Test Interpretation False negative tests occur due to defects in test sensitivity; too low an antibody level to detect (e.g. they are bound to the bacteria, with too few free-floating; the patient taking antibiotics or other drugs; naturally low antibody production); the bacterium has changed, limiting recognition by the immune system; or bacterial strain variations. False positive tests occur due to test failure or cross-reacting antibodies (e.g. syphilis, periodontal disease, ANA or RF). Types of Tests Titer (ELISA, EIA, IFA) tests measure the level of Bb antibodies in fluid, with labs using different detection criteria, cut-off points, types of measurements, and reagents. Western blot tests produce bands indicating the immune system’s reactivity to Bb, with labs differing in their interpretation and reporting of these bands.   Direct Dectection Tests Antigen Detection These tests detect a unique Bb protein in fluid (e.g. urine) of patients. This may be useful for detecting LD in patients taking antibiotics or during symptom flare-up. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) This test multiplies the number of Bb DNA to a detectable measurable level. Culturing Growing the bacterium in Board of Trustees - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Board of Trustees Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city and county within the boundaries of the District may appoint a single representative to the Board. A Trustee must be a resident and an elector (registered to vote) of the city from which he/she is appointed. The Board of Trustees establishes District policies and makes budget decisions including that of the salaries and benefits of all District employees. Individual Trustees cannot act independently to change policies, guidelines or budget items including salaries and benefits. All policy, guideline, and budget changes must be an act of the full Board at a scheduled and publicly posted meeting of the Board of Trustees. Trustees* Calabasas James R. Bozajian Hawthorne Alex Monteiro Hermosa Beach James Fasola Inglewood Cheryl Matthews Lawndale Pat Kearney Lomita James Gazeley Malibu Barbara Barsocchini Manhattan Beach Hilary Rosen   Palos Verdes Estates Bill Ailor Rancho Palos Verdes Barbara Ferraro Redondo Beach Mary Drummer Rolling Hills Estates Steven Zuckerman   Santa Monica Nancy Greenstein West Hollywood Chad Blouin Torrance Aurelio Mattucci *The District also includes the westerly portion of Los Angeles City and unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles. Board Meeting Schedule The regular meetings of the Board of Trustees are held once every two months on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm at the District’s headquarters located at 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City. There are a total of six meetings per year (January, March, May, July, September, November). In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, members of the Board of Trustees shall serve without compensation. Trustees who attend the scheduled meetings receive an allowance in lieu of expenses not to exceed $100 per month. If additional meetings are necessary during a given month, Trustees receive no additional allowance. 2026 Agendas & Minutes January 15, 2026 (PDF) March 12, 2026 (PDF) May 20, 2026 (PDF) July 9, 2026 September 10, 2026 November 12, 2026 2025 Agendas & Minutes January 16, 2025 (PDF) March 13, 2025 (PDF) May 8, 2025 (PDF) July 10, 2025 (PDF) September 11, 2025 (PDF) November 13, 2025 (PDF) 2024 Agendas & Minutes January 18, 2024 (PDF) March 14, 2024 (PDF) May 9, 2024 (PDF) July 11, 2024 (PDF) September 12, 2024 (PDF) November 14, 2024 (PDF) (310) 915-7370 Call for information about the District’s Public Education Program, to request informational brochures, or to ask a District representative to speak at an event. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Identifying Bees - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Identifying Bees Africanized & European Honey Bees Africanized bees, on average, are slightly smaller than European bees, but otherwise look identical. 5/8″ in length Nests in trees, ground, and structures Africanized can be more defensive Learn About Africanized Bees Mistaken for Africanized Bees Bumble Bee 1/4″ to 1″ in length Nests in ground Carpenter Bee 3/4″ to 1″ in length Nests in wood Solitary and generally docile Males are orange Females are black Yellow Jacket 5/8″ to 3/4″ in length Nests in trees, ground, and structures Aggressive if disturbed Attracted to food Paper Wasp 5/8″ to 1″ in length Nests on or in structures (i.e. eaves) Mud Dauber 7/8″ to 1 1/4″ in length Small mud nests on or in structures Solitary and generally docile Sand Wasp 4/5″ to 1″ in length Burrow in sand Solitary and generally docile If you are a resident of the District:  CALL (310) 915-7370 to report bees or yellow jackets.  CALL 911 if you have a bee emergency. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Ticks - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Order: Ixodida / Class: Arachnida Ticks The two most common ticks found outdoors in the District are the Western Black-Legged Tick and the Pacific Coast Tick. The only source of nutrition ticks use is the blood sucked from humans or other animals. Tick Biology Ticks belong to the class Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, and mites. Ticks are divided into two families, soft ticks and hard ticks. They go through four life stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. The larvae have six legs while the nymphs and the adults have eight. In the United States, seven kinds of hard ticks and five kinds of soft ticks carry diseases, are a nuisance, or cause paralysis. Often these diseases are transmitted by the ticks saliva during feeding behavior. However, some diseases, such as Tularemia, can enter through the skin if a person comes into contact with a crushed infected tick. In recent years, Lyme Disease has become the most reported arthropod borne disease in the country. Many experts feel that if it were not for HIV, Lyme Disease would be the number one infectious disease in the U.S.   The front part of a tick consists of the head area and the mouthparts. The mouthparts have a central structure, the hypostome, which is shaped like a blunt harpoon, flat on the top and curved on the bottom where many sharp barbs are located. How Ticks Bite A tick pushes its hypostome into a hole in the skin of a host that has been made by sharp teeth in the front of the hypostome. The barbs anchor the tick to the skin and make it difficult to pull the tick out. Some ticks also produce a cement-like substance that helps anchor them to the host. Sharp teeth at the front of the hypostome cut blood vessels under the skin, causing the blood to form a pool. The tick then sucks this blood into its gut through the hypostome. To keep the blood from clotting, ticks inject saliva containing a kind of anticoagulant into the blood pool. The saliva may also contain disease organisms, such as Borrelia burgdorferi , which cause Lyme Disease. Where Ticks Are Found Ticks are found wherever their hosts are found. Some ticks feed on only one type of host, while others suck blood from many different animals. When not attached and feeding on their hosts, most hard ticks live on the ground in vegetation, such as grassy meadows, woods, brush, weeds, leaf litter, etc. Most ticks will crawl to the tips of grass, brush, leaves, or branches and wait. With their front legs outstretched, they will wait for a host to brush up against them. This behavior is called questing. When the tick does come into contact with an animal, it will grab on and crawl to an appropriate area on the animal to feed. The two most common ticks found outdoors in west Los Angeles County are the Western Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the Pacific Coast Tick (Dermacentor occidentalis) . The Western Black-Legged Tick is the vector of Lyme Disease in the western United States, while the Pacific Coast Tick carries Tularemia and is a suspected carrier of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever. The Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) has evolved to live indoors and can be found living inside your home. Brown Dog Ticks do not usually feed on humans. Most ticks will crawl to the tips of grass, brush, leaves, or branches and wait. With their front legs outstretched, they will wait for a host to brush up against them. This behavior is called questing. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Protection from Mosquitos - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page Protection from Mosquitoes Guidelines for Your Safety General Guidelines Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. Look for anything that can hold water for more than 3 days. Dump and drain the water once a week. Empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw away all items that hold water. Tightly cover water storage containers, so that mosquitoes can’t get inside to lay eggs. Rain barrels must be tightly sealed at all entrances with 1/16thinch wire mesh and checked regularly. Check inside and outside your home. Outdoor Checklist Prevent instances of standing water by checking the following: Potted plant saucers, decorative pots Buckets and other containers Trash cans, trash can lids Recyclables, recycle collection bins Fountains, birdbaths, ponds Water bowls for pets Animal water troughs Bromeliads and other plants that naturally collect and hold water Leaky hoses, sprinklers, faucets Rain barrels, cisterns, homemade water collection and storage containers Items stored outside around your home or yard or place in a sheltered area Tires, miscellaneous items or junk Outdoor toys, tire swings, basketball hoop bases Lilly pots, water gardens Swimming pool, spa Watering cans Lawn ornaments, lawn furniture Wheelbarrows Covers or tarps on boats, cars, or recreational vehicles Tree holes and low areas with persistent puddling Rain gutters, yard drains, French drains Street gutters, pot holes Inside Your Home Reduce opportunities for mosquitoes inside your home. Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Check for mosquito larvae breeding in water holding plants inside your home (i.e. lucky bamboo, bromeliads, vases, plant saucers). Close windows and use air conditioning when available. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. Download the Mosquito Control Checklist (PDF) and prepare your surroundings: Mosquito Control Checklist Prevent Mosquito Bites Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents* are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. DEET Picaridin IR3535 Oil of lemon eucalyptus   *Find the insect repellent that’s right for you. EPA Repellent Search Tool General Tips Always follow the product label instructions for repellent. Reapply insect repellent as directed. Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. If you are also using sunscreen apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Babies & Children Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin. Adults should spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old. Natural insect repellents (repellents not registered with EPA) We do not know the effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents. To protect yourself against diseases spread by mosquitoes, CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. Clothing Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs. Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Treat items, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions. Do not use permethrin products directly on skin. If you are a resident of the District:  CALL (310) 915-7370 to report mosquito issues, or: Use Our Form  CALL (877) WNV-BIRD to report a dead bird, or visit: westnile.ca.gov Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. West Nile Virus - LA West Vector Service Request About the District Public Education Program Brochures & Publications Events Board of Trustees Other L.A. County Districts Financials Employment Mosquitoes Invasive Aedes Mosquito Mosquito-Borne Diseases West Nile Virus Zika Virus Protection from Mosquitoes Control & Surveillance Mosquitofish Mistaken for Mosquitoes Ticks Ticks in California Tick Removal Tick-Borne Diseases Lyme Disease Disease Prevention Africanized Bees Bee Protection & Control Identifying Bees Fire Ants Select Page West Nile Virus West Nile Virus (WNV) FAQ What is West Nile Virus? How does infection occur? Who is at risk for infection? When do symptoms develop? What are the symptoms? What if I suspect I have WNV? Where can I learn more? LA County WNV Activity by Zip Code 2026 WNV Map (PDF) 2025 WNV Map (PDF) 2024 WNV Map (PDF)   If you are a resident of the District:  CALL (310) 915-7370 to report mosquito issues, or: Use Our Form  CALL (877) WNV-BIRD to report a dead bird, or visit: westnile.ca.gov What Is West Nile Virus? WNV is a virus most commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. In North America, cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the spring and summer, continuing through fall. WNV cases have been reported in all of the continental United States, including Los Angeles County. How Does Infection Occur? Mosquito Bites West Nile Virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile Virus to humans and other mammals by biting them. In nature, WNV cycles between mosquitoes (especially Culex species) and birds. Some infected birds can develop high levels of the virus in their bloodstream. Mosquitoes can become infected by biting infected birds. After about a week, infected mosquitoes can pass the virus to more birds when they bite. Humans and other mammals are “dead end” hosts. This means they do not develop high levels of virus in their bloodstream and cannot pass the virus on to other biting mosquitoes. Minimal Spread By Exposure in a laboratory setting Blood transfusion and organ donation Mother to baby, during pregnancy, delivery, or breast feeding Not Spread By Coughing, sneezing, or touching Touching live animals Handling live or dead infected birds. (Avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.) Eating infected birds or animals. (Always follow instructions for fully cooking meat from either birds or mammals.) Who Is at Risk for Infection? Anyone bitten by a mosquito in an area where the virus is circulating can be infected with WNV. The risk is highest for persons who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities. E lderly persons are at increased risk of severe disease if they are infected. When Do Symptoms Develop? It takes 2-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito to develop symptoms of WNV. What Are the Symptoms? None for Most Most people (8 in 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Febrile Illness for Some Some people (1 in 5) who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Serious for a Few A few people (1 in 150) who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. Severe illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants are also at greater risk. Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent. About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die. What If I Suspect I Have WNV? If you think you, a family member, or a pet might have a mosquito-borne disease, contact a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Where Can I Learn More? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile Virus Information California West Nile Virus Surveillance Information Center County of Los Angeles Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Control West Nile Virus Information If you think you, a family member, or a pet might have a mosquito-borne disease, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Los Angeles County West Vector Control District 6750 Centinela Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Map / Get Directions Contact Us Governance The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. This is an example of government by local representation. Board Meetings Starting in January of each year, Board meetings are held every second month on the second Thursday of that month. Latest Board Agenda May 20, 2026 (PDF) All Agendas & Minutes About the District Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.