LA's Sterile Mosquito Plan Faces a Funding Hurdle

Los Angeles County’s vector-control district is expanding the sterile insect technique to curb Aedes aegypti mosquitoes linked to dengue, releasing sterilized males and seeking to broaden the program beyond Sunland-Tujunga. The expansion hinges on a new funding mechanism—a up to $20 per year per single-family home via a property benefit assessment on top of the existing $18.97—despite only 47% of ballots supporting the increase and opposition from some business owners. Pilot releases in two Sunland-Tujunga neighborhoods cut the female mosquito population by about 82%, but officials say broader adoption requires more funds and public buy-in; a second ballot round is planned while production continues in the insectary and field releases.