10 Steps For Managing & Reducing Mosquito Populations

1. Dispose of cans, old tires, buckets, or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, birdbaths, and pet dishes for more than two days.

2. Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water around structures, or on. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks.

3. Change the water in kiddie pools at least once a week and ornamental stock ponds with top feeding precious minnows. These minnows (known as mosquito fish), are about 1 – 1-1/2 inches (1.27 cm) in length and can be purchased locally. Ornamental ponds may be treated with “Mosquito Dunks” that can be purchased at many garden stores for homeowner use. Fill or drain puddles and swampy areas, and either remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar.

4. Eliminate seepage from cisterns, cesspools, and septic tanks.

5. Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.

6. Check for trapped water in tarps being used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.

7. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper back filling and grading prevent drainage problems.

8. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

9. If drainage ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to County Mosquito Abatement or Health Department.

10. Please do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulations. Mosquitoes are flying insects, so we can’t keep them from invading our community, but we can treat lawns and landing zones to protect your family from these disease-spreading bloodsuckers. For mosquito control give us a call