PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – As summer season approaches, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to do their part to control mosquitoes.

Mosquito bites can cause more than skin irritation. Mosquitoes can carry and transmit viruses when they bite, such as West Nile, Zika, dengue, St. Louis encephalitis and others. The mosquitoes that have the potential to carry these germs are present in Long Beach.   

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, and City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis advises that residents should follow the precautions described below to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.

• Look for containers that can hold water and make sure those remain dry and empty – mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as ¼-inch inch of water (smaller than a bottle cap). 
• Clean and scrub bird baths and outdoor pet water bowls at least once a week.
• Dump water from potted plant saucers.
• Ensure that water-related play areas (kiddie pools, water slides, etc.) are emptied after play and are scrubbed out at least once a week.  
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and drain water from pool covers.
• Limit the watering of lawns and outdoor plants.
• Install screens on doors and windows.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET to prevent mosquito bites. DEET is safe for children two months and older as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers when used as directed.

 Residents are urged to report increased mosquito activity and neglected or green pools by calling 562.570.4132 or submitting an online report at longbeach.gov/mosquitoes.

Report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health by calling 1.877.WNV.BIRD or online at westnile.ca.gov.

People can find more information about mosquitoes, including additional prevention tips, by visiting longbeach.gov/health and by following the Health Department on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department Public Affairs Office at he-publicaffairs@longbeach.gov.