Mosquitoes in Winnetka
The daytime ankle biters, small black-and-white mosquitoes that breed in a bottle cap's worth of water, are established across the City of Los Angeles, Winnetka included.
West Nile in Winnetka
West Nile is active here. The Greater LA County Vector Control District has reported 6 West Nile–positive mosquito samples (the first on June 4) in Winnetka so far this year. Those come from Culex, the dusk-and-night mosquitoes, so use repellent in the evening too.
Source: Greater LA County Vector Control District, 2026 year to date, checked October 1, 2026.
Which ankle biters are here
The state tracks invasive mosquitoes for the City of Los Angeles as a whole, and both species are on its list.
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegyptiOn the city's listBlack with white-banded legs and a silver lyre on its back. Bites in the daytime, low on the legs.
Asian tiger mosquito
Aedes albopictusOn the city's listBlack with one white stripe down its back. Also a daytime biter.
From the California Department of Public Health list, updated December 5, 2025. Not on the list means it hasn't been detected, not that it can't show up.
Not sure it's mosquitoes? Answer three questions to tell ankle biters from fleas, bed bugs and no-see-ums.
What that means for your yard
The Valley runs hotter than the basin, and big lots with pools, fountains and irrigated yards give mosquitoes plenty of water. The Greater LA district reported West Nile–positive mosquitoes in 25 of the 26 San Fernando Valley neighborhoods this year.
Ankle biters rarely fly far from where they hatched. If you're getting bitten on the patio in the afternoon, the water they came from is probably in your yard or the one next door.
Who to call for a free inspection
The Greater LA district works in Winnetka; it reported this year's detections here.
Near a district edge? Check by ZIP code.
Ten-minute yard check
- Dump plant saucers, buckets, toys and anything else holding water, then scrub the sides. Eggs stick to the walls.
- Change pet water and bird baths at least once a week.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and yard drains.
- Screen rain barrels with fine mesh, and treat water you can't dump with a Bti larvicide.
- Report a green, neglected pool to your district.
Hiring a mosquito service in Winnetka
If you've done the yard check and still can't sit outside, a licensed company can treat the shady spots where mosquitoes rest and the water you can't empty. Typical prices: $100–$300 for a one-time treatment, $400–$1,000 for a season.
Ask for the company's California license number before they treat anything. Questions to ask before you hire