Mosquito Prevention

Ways to Control Mosquitoes in Your Yard

• Eliminate all standing water. Check your yard and eliminate all standing water in:
  • Roof gutters and rain barrels
  • Boats and birdbaths
  • Cans, bottles, and plastic bags
  • Flower pots and vases
  • Unused swimming and wading pools
  • Wheelbarrows and mortar tubs
  • Ornamental pools and fountains
  • Cellars and crawl spaces
  • Old tires and tire ruts.
• Flatten all types of open cans and containers or puncture holes in bottom
• Clean clogged roof gutters and drain flat roofs so no water stays
• Cover all standing receptacles, such as rain barrels in rural areas with netting
• Empty and refill outdoor bird baths every few days
• Stock with fish or aerate garden pools and ponds
• Tilt wheelbarrows and machines with containers to prevent holding water
• Empty watering cans and wading pools after using
• Dispose of old tires, or anything that holds water

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Dress appropriately: wear light-colored clothing, wear long pants and sleeves, tuck in shirts, tuck pants into socks, and wear closed-toe shoes.
• Use insect repellents on the skin that contain ≥20% DEET. ("Natural" products, such as citronella, are not effective)
• Avoid peak times, stay indoors at dawn and early evening.
• Keep them outside, install, repair or replace screens on both windows and doors.

Travel Information

If you are planning a trip, please visit the CDC website.