Important Steps To Take

Reduce the number of breeding sites by turning over buckets and other containers so that they will not collect rainwater. Check your back yard after heavy rainfall for containers trapping water. By reducing these you will reduce the number of mosquitoes around your house. Keep a fine mesh over barrels of water and cistern wells to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs. Periodically spray your house with a domestic insecticide spray. Remember Aedes mosquitoes can breed indoors in pot plants with standing water.

Avoid Bites

1. Avoid areas of high mosquito infestation.
   
2. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt and hat when outdoors. Cover Up.
4. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET. Consult a physician before applying DEET to young children.
5. Restrict the outdoor play of your children if mosquitoes are present.
6. Drain all water-holding outdoor containers around the home.
7. Inspect basements and crawl spaces. If they are flooded, drain as quickly as possible.
8. The very young, the elderly and persons with depressed immune systems are at most risk for acquiring disease from mosquito bites.

Mosquito Prevention

1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots (buckets) and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
10. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
11. Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
12. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
13. Fix dripping outside water faucets (taps).
14. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
15. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
16. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office (see below) if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
17. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a Mosquito Control Office. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulations. Ensure that the area around your house is tidy. There are far more water holding containers than you think.

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