(May 6, 2003) -- Saying that standing water from recent storms and subsequent warm weather have started the mosquito breeding season early, LB's Dept. of Health & Human Services today warned LB residents "to clean up any pools of standing, stagnant water."

In a written release, the city agency noted that mosquitoes can carry diseases such as the deadly West Nile Virus...and can be a genuine nuisance.

The release said that although mosquito breeding season is generally from May through October, this year's heavy rains in March, followed by warm weather, means "the breeding season has already begun." It added that "the insects need water to complete their life cycle [and] are most active in and around stagnant water."

LB's Health Dept. said that while CA had only one human case of West Nile Virus last year, "it is likely [CA] will experience a greater challenge from this deadly disease in 2003. [West Nile Virus] was responsible for nearly 300 deaths in the United States in 2002."

To keep mosquitos under control on residents' personal property, LB's Health Dept. recommends:

• Dispose of tin cans, discarded tires and plastic containers as they hold standing water
• Drain or fill low spots in the ground and drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers to prevent moisture from collecting
• Water in pet feeding bowls should be changed often
• Clogged roof gutters should be cleaned at least once a year
• Swimming polls not being used on a regular basis must be cleaned and chlorinated

"Anyting that contains standing water that is not moved, cleaned or chlorinated, should be elimiated" the Dept. release said.

In addition, it said residents "should avoid mosquito infested areas at dawn or dusk, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, use insect repellent products with fewer than 35& DEET for adults and 10% for children and ensure all openable windows are screened."

The release also noted that while private property is where residents mut focus their attention, there are risks of standing water in other public areas: