Department of
Health & Human Services

Main Health Facilities Center
2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-4000
5/30/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 53023-3
Subject:
Long Beach Health Department Provides Safety Tips on Controlling Mosquitos
Contact:
Jennifer Rice Epstein
562.441.3590
Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Department of Health and Human Services




Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and mosquito season, and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to do their part to control mosquitos.  

“With this year’s intense rainfall, mosquito activity is expected to increase this summer,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “I encourage everyone to take steps to reduce mosquito activity around their property and to wear insect repellant outside.” 

Mosquito bites can cause more than skin irritation. Mosquitoes can transmit germs when they bite. Diseases linked to mosquitoes include West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus, malaria and viruses that cause encephalitis (brain inflammation and swelling). 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 – mosquitos 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. 

“By following these simple actions, you can prevent unwanted bites and, more importantly, potential exposure to the many diseases carried by mosquitos,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis. “The warm weather has already started, and Southern California’s beautiful weather means we have about six months of mosquito season ahead.” 

To report mosquito activity: 

  • Call the Long Beach Mosquito Hotline at 562.570.4132. 

  • Submit 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, Twitter and Instagram.