Mosquito Control Tips for Your Home

Some tips for you and your family concerning mosquitoes and your home.

Personal protection

During peak biting times (dawn, dusk, and early evening)

Try to stay inside.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go out.
Loose clothing.
Light colored clothing.
Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET.
DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
When using repellents always read and follow directions for use as printed on the product.

Throw out old tires (you can put out at least 2 per week with the trash).
Throw out tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water holding containers.
Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash containers so any water can drain out.
Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain.
Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly.
Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.