Has Aedes albopictus established in California?

Significant numbers of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, were detected on the west coast of the USA in mid-June 2001, in containerized oceanic shipments of "lucky bamboo" (Dracaena spp.) originating from South China. Wholesale nurseries in California importing large quantities of lucky bamboo became the focal points of infestation. Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District immediately implemented an adulticiding protocol at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbors, followed by larviciding soon after the shipment was delivered to the wholesale nursery. Intensive surveys are currently being conducted above ground and in the underground storm drain systems using battery-operated CDC/CO2-baited light traps and ovitraps, both enhanced with an attractant (water rinse of tiger shrimps), to determine extent of infestation and perhaps establishment of Ae. albopictus locally.