Mosquitoes in California

Ever wonder why you might have a ton of swollen bumps recently? Here could be a reason as to why. In Southern California, the warm weather gives mosquitoes plenty of time to stay active. This year, Los Angeles County has had a much bigger West Nile virus season than usual. There has been a report of 1,172 confirmed West Nile disease cases in 2026, including 130 hospitalizations and a few deaths. The number is much higher than the 22 infections reported in the entirety of 2025. 

The county also reported that 100 cases had already been recorded by September 21, making it one of the most serious seasons in recent years. The West Nile virus spreads when mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite people or other animals. Not every mosquito carries this virus, but the ones that can spread it are found all throughout LA County. Most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms, but some can become very ill. 

So what about the people in Lakewood or Bellflower? As mentioned before, this doesn’t mean every mosquito you see is carrying the West Nile virus, but it is good to be careful, especially while spending time outside. Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of standing water. Things like buckets, flowerpots, pet bowls, and other containers can become places for them to lay their tiny eggs. 

I highly recommend removing standing water around your home, using insect repellent, and making sure your window and door screens are intact enough to keep mosquitoes outside. With the warm weather sticking around, mosquitoes aren’t going to disappear anytime soon. Even though they are tiny, they can still cause major problems. Taking a few minutes to check your yard and get rid of standing water can prevent mosquitoes from becoming a bigger issue in Lakewood and the rest of LA County. While it is a small chore for the local families, it is well worth the effort so they don’t have to deal with hundreds of searches online on “How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes.” The next time you hear that annoying buzzing sound in your ear, don’t ignore it - take action to help protect yourself and your home from their nasty, itchy bites.

Image courtesy of Luis Klink on Pexels.