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.