WEST COVINA -- A sudden jump in the population of rare type of mosquito in the San Gabriel Valley could endanger dogs, according to health officials.
So far this season, 300 western tree hole mosquitoes have been trapped from Altadena to Claremont and south to state Route 60.
That's compared to 60 in the previous 17 years, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The rare western tree hole mosquitoes, also known as Aedes Sierrensis, is a frequent carrier of heartworm.
Western tree hole mosquitoes live about six weeks, which is a month longer than most other mosquitoes.
The relatively long life makes them more likely carriers of heartworm.
The western tree hole mosquito lays its eggs in the holes of rotted wood and trees.
The eggs can remain dormant for years until water fills the holes and the mosquitoes hatch
Without treatment, they can be fatal to dogs, L.A. County health department Dr. Emily Beeler said.
Worms invade the heart of a dog and eventually kill the animal.
Heartworm rarely affects humans, and if a human does get it, a cyst usually forms around the larvae before the worms infect the heart.
Cats can also get heartworms, but dogs are much more susceptible.
Heartworm can often be treated by veterinarians.
There are also monthly treatments to prevent heartworms.
So far this season, 300 western tree hole mosquitoes have been trapped from Altadena to Claremont and south to state Route 60.
That's compared to 60 in the previous 17 years, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The rare western tree hole mosquitoes, also known as Aedes Sierrensis, is a frequent carrier of heartworm.
Western tree hole mosquitoes live about six weeks, which is a month longer than most other mosquitoes.
The relatively long life makes them more likely carriers of heartworm.
The western tree hole mosquito lays its eggs in the holes of rotted wood and trees.
The eggs can remain dormant for years until water fills the holes and the mosquitoes hatch
Without treatment, they can be fatal to dogs, L.A. County health department Dr. Emily Beeler said.
Worms invade the heart of a dog and eventually kill the animal.
Heartworm rarely affects humans, and if a human does get it, a cyst usually forms around the larvae before the worms infect the heart.
Cats can also get heartworms, but dogs are much more susceptible.
Heartworm can often be treated by veterinarians.
There are also monthly treatments to prevent heartworms.
