The best thing any resident can do to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water. There are many common places around your own home that can hold standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Here are some tips on how to find and eliminate standing water.

What You Can Do to Reduce Mosquitoes

Fish Ponds, Fountains, and Waterfalls

• Stock with mosquito fish
• Remove excess vegetation
• Run fountains and waterfalls to keep water moving

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

• Keep water covered during non-usage periods
• Chlorinate
• Use filter regularly

Wading/Kiddie Pools

• Drain water when not in use
• If water must remain in pool, cover pool

Containers

• Empty water
• Turn over or dispose
• Cover

Bird Baths

• Change water at least once a week

Standing Water

• Eliminate by draining
• Fill in impounds

Water Troughs

• Stock with fish
• Change water weekly

Street Gutters or Catch Basin

• Do not dispose of litter or debris in gutter or catch basins
• Do not over-water lawn

Water under Homes

• Keep sump pumps and plumbing under the home in good repair
• Prevent water from collecting under your house

Pet Watering Bowls

• Change water twice a week

Roof Gutters

• Clean once a year to remove debris

Tree Holes

• Fill hole with sand or mortar
• Contact a tree surgeon

Irrigated Lawns or Fields

• Avoid over irrigation
• Drain standing water

Septic Systems

• Seal the septic tank.
• Repair cracks or gaps in the exterior walls of the septic tank using cement.
• Cover ventilation pipes with a screen mesh, repair broken pipes, and seal at the joints.
• Fill abandoned or unused septic tanks with dirt or gravel.