Mosquito Control

Efforts by Residents

Use Repellent to Discourage Biting

The best way to discourage insect bites is to take preventative action before going outdoors and when returning home. Here are a few simple precautions to minimize exposure to insect bites:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors. Remember to apply sunscreen first, allow it to dry, and then use insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. When traveling in areas known for ticks, mosquitoes or other insects, including tall grass and wet or wooded settings, wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Brush clothing and check for insects after being outside. Check pets as well.

Diminish Development Around Your Home

Although discouraging insect bites is effective, diminishing populations before they develop provides more protection than any other methods. Proper maintenance of your property is the first step, as mosquitoes can develop from eggs into adults within 7-14 days, when conditions are favorable. Here are additional methods for diminishing mosquito breeding areas around your home:

• Fill or drain areas where water may collect for more than one week.
• Flatten cans and containers or puncture holes in bottom.
• Completely seal cesspools and screen all vents.
• Clean clogged roof gutters and drain flat roofs so no water stays.
• Cover all standing receptacles, such as rain barrels, with netting.
• Empty and refill outdoor bird baths every few days.
• Stock garden pools and ponds with small fish or aerate them.
• Tilt wheelbarrows and machines with containers to prevent holding water.
• Empty watering cans and wading pools after using.
• Dispose of old tires or any debris that holds water.