Mosquito management around the home
You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by eliminating standing water. This stops mosquitoes from breeding.
Some common breeding sources are:
- Artificial containers that hold water (pails, tires, soda cans, jars, unused flower pots, urns, etc.)
- Bird baths
- Clogged roof gutters
- Pool covers
- Stored boats and canoes (and tarps that cover them)
- Water gardens
- Abandoned swimming pools
- Rot holes in trees and stumps
Basically, any type of container that catches rainwater!
Steps to reduce breeding sources in your backyard
Always make sure that you remove standing water. You should flush bird baths, wading pools and watering troughs every week.
If you have swimming pools, check the filtering systems regularly. It is important to drain, fill or shock abandoned pools with pool chemicals.
If you have ornamental pools and aquatic gardens, change the water frequently or install an aerator. We encourage you to practice biological control by stocking minnows, such as Gambusia, Koi or Guppies, which will eat mosquito larvae.
Fill tree holes or rotting stumps with sand.
Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. Make certain that the areas under air conditioning units are not accumulating water.
Tips for avoiding mosquito bites
- Wear light-colored clothing,with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay indoors during dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
- Maintain screens on doors and windows.
- Cover an infant seat or stroller with mosquito netting for extra protection.
- While outdoors, use a mosquito repellent. The CDC recommends products that contain DEET (do not use on infants), picaridin, and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus (do not use on children under the age of three). Products containing permethrin (ex: Repel) should only be used on clothing. Always read the label and apply accordingly.