Department of
Health & Human Services

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

Mosquito bites can cause more than skin irritation. Mosquitoes can transmit germs when they bite. Mosquitos can carry and transmit the West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus, the parasite that causes malaria, dengue virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus and others.   

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, requiring active roles from the community to help in reducing the threat of mosquitoes with the following steps:

• 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 Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.